



PRESENTED B Y .'-t-Q OV/ / 



THIS FIRST EDITION OF "CONCERNING 
THE FOREFATHERS," BY CHARLOTTE 
REEVE CONOVER, IS LIMITED TO ONE 
THOUSAND NUMBERED AND REGISTERED 
COPIES. THIS COPY IS No. 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 







IXSCKJPTIOX ON WINDOW 

On Scplcinljt-r {\n- '.'-.M. I Tss. a lar^e comiiaiiy of Kcntiu-Uians. licailcd 
liy Col. I'atteisdii and .Jdliii Filson, crossed rlie Oliiu Kivcr and were 
met In- .IiidKe Syninies. Israel Ludlow and Matthias Deunian, wlio 
came from Linieston on what is now the pnlilic landing. They dedi- 
cated tlie city hy llie name of l.osaiilivillc « ilh a |ipi-oi>riate ceremonies. 
On .lannary id. 17!lo, Covi'tnor St. (lair ani\e,i and made Losantiville 
the connty town, naming it ( 'iiicinnat i. after the newly fonndi'd 
societv ol that nairii'. 



WINDOW IN THE CITY BUILDING AT CINCINNATI, 
REPRESENTING THE SETTLEMENT OF LOSANTI- 
VILLE 






'"T^HERE is a moral and philosophical respect for our 
ancestors which elevates the character and improves 
the heart. Next to the sense of religious duty and moral 
feeling, I hardly know what should bear with stronger 
obligation on a liberal and enlightened mind than a con- 
sciousness of an alliance with departed worth." 

Daniel Webster. 




CONCERNING 

;;;;;; THE :::::: 

FOREFATHERS 



Being a Memoir, with Personal 
Narrative and Letters 
of Two Pioneers 

COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 

A l^ D 

COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 

The paternal and maternal 
grandfathers of 

John Henry Patterson 
of Dayton, : : : : : Ohio 

For whose children 
this book is 
written by 

Charlotte Eeeve Conover 






\^ 



Cj^ 



•2- 



Copyright, 1902 

by 

NATIONAL CASH REGISTER COMPANY 
Dayton, Ohio 



fOO'03 



This book was Illustrated, 
Arranged and Printed by 
The Winthrop Press, 32 and 
34 Lafayette Place, New 
York, U. S. A. Decorative 
Designs by Davis Schwartz, 
Dayton, Ohio : : : : : 



i^ ..- 




FOREWORD 



U) F our petitions sometimes read " From 
the offenses of our forefathers, good 
Lord deliver us," the antithesis 
should also not be absent — "Of the 
virtues of our forefathers, Lord make 
us not unmindful." That phantas- 
mal influence called noblesse oblige 
has held more than one young man 
to the stern and unexpected demand of duty when noth- 
ing else could, and no legacy is so stimulating to send down 
to the third and fourth generations as the record of pure 
living, high thinking and deeds of self sacrifice. That we 
in America have been, until lately, so careless of family 
history, is a reproach that we are slow in wiping out. 

This book is an attempt to set forth the plain history of 
a double family line, whose representatives, both past and 
present, belong to what Plato calls "the treasure honor- 
able of hereditary worth." As such, it is dedicated to 
the two youngest inheritors of the name, 

Frederick Beck Patterson 

AND 

Dorothy Forster Patterson, 

with the hope that they will remember that 

" He who to ancient wreaths can bring no more 
From his own worth, dies bankrupt on the score." 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



PAGE 

Introduction 1 

CHAPTER I 

Mrs. Julia Johnston Patterson and Her Ancestors. . 13 

Her life, its interests and usefulness; her character and 
varied experiences; the Scotch-Irish Johnstons a stanch 
people; migration from Scotland to Holland, and from 
Holland to Ireland; immigration to America; John John- 
ston's youth. 

CHAPTER II 

Col. John Johnston 25 

His life and times; becomes clerk in War Department; 
Pittsburg and Pennsylvania one hundred and thirty years 
ago; journey west; military executions; experiences with 
the Indians; Little Turtle; Indian customs; Treaty of 
Greenville; influx of settlers; John Johnston's marriage 
with Rachel Robinson and settlement at Fort Wayne; 
his I'elations with the Indians. 

CHAPTER III 

Col. John Johnston (Continued) 45 

Removal of the family to Piqua; experience as Indian 
factor; early settlement of Piqua; personality of John 
Johnston; Little Turtle; second treaty of Greenville; 
General Harrison; the council of the Wyandottes; John- 
ston's attitude on the Indian question; his trip to Phila- 
delphia; the Sandusky treaty of 1842. 



CONTENTS 
CHAPTER IV 

PAGE 

Early Life in Piqua 79 

Early life of Julia Johnston Patterson; the fifteen chil- 
dren; character of their mother; reminiscences of life at 
upper Piqua in the early years of the century; the Indians; 
guests, entertainments; Julia Johnston marries Jefferson 
Patterson; goes to Dayton to Hve; St. James Church 
founded; death of Rachel Robinson Johnston; other family 
deaths; John Johnston in Cincinnati; John Johnston at 
Rubicon Farm; his death in 1861. 

CHAPTER V 

Col. Robert Patterson Ill 

Estimates of his character; Charles Anderson's tribute 
to his bravery, honesty and kind nature : the Scotch-Irish 
Pattersons in the old country; Londonderry; church 
troubles; causes of emigration; from Scotland to Ireland, 
and from Ireland to America; the Pattersons in Connecti- 
cut; in New Jersey; in Pennsylvania; the Lindsaj's; Robert 
Patterson's birth and boyhood. 

CHAPTER VI 
Col. Robert Patterson (Continued) 133 

The PennsA'lvania Rangers; Lord Dunmore's War; 
scenes on the Pickaway Plains; Patterson returns to his 
home and makes a fresh start; journey to Fort Pitt and 
voyage down the Ohio; settlement at Royal Springs; the 
camp at Lexington; threatened troubles with the Indians; 
British encouragement of them; Robert Patterson's peril- 
ous journey up the Ohio; is wounded by the savages; re- 
turn to Kentucky and final settlement of Lexington. 

CHAPTER VII 
Col. Robert Patterson (Continued) 169 

Some of the men who helped make the history of the 
Northwest; Patterson's various campaigns; the Turkey 

xii 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Foot Fork Skirmish; George Rogers Clark's Illinois Expe- 
dition; building of the Lexington Stockade; the Bowman 
Campaign; Robert Patterson's Lexington property; antic- 
ipations. 



CHAPTER VIII 
Col. Robert Patterson (Continued) 195 

Robert Patterson marries Elizabeth Lindsay; wedding 
festivities and journey to Kentucky; the new home; emi- 
gration into Kentucky; George Rogers Clark's Miami Ex- 
pedition; the hard winter; defense of Bryan's Station; 
Battle of Blue Licks; Patterson's life saved by Aaron 
Reynolds; The Logan Campaign of 1786. 

CHAPTER IX 

CoL. Robert Patterson (Continued) 235 

The Pattersons in Lexington; Robert Patterson as 
citizen and statesman; his influence upon education and 
religion; the Presbyterian Church and the Transylvania 
University; the " Kentucke Gazette "; efforts of Ken- 
tucky toward independent statehood; the new govern- 
ment begins; Robert Patterson and his friends at Losanti- 
ville; laying out of Cincinnati by the three pioneers; 
death of John Filson ; St. Clair's defeat. 



CHAPTER X 
Col. Robert Patterson (Continued) 275 

The arrival of the Patterson family in Dayton; wed- 
dings and freshets; Robert Patterson's influence in the 
church; his friends and associates; Rubicon Farm; his 
pursuits; his family connections; his part in the War 
of 1812; his death in 1827. 



CONTENTS 
CHAPTER XI 

PAGE 

Memories of the Rubicon Farm 323 

Jefferson and Julia Johnston Patterson at Rubicon; 
their hospitality; personal reminiscences; friends who 
visited there; routine life at the farm; Jefferson Patterson 
in the Legislature; death of Jefferson Patterson and Kate 
Patterson; of William Patterson; of Stewart Patterson; the 
end. 

APPENDIX 

The Johnstons 357 

The Pattersons 387 



FULL-PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS 



Window in the City Building op Cincinnati, repre- 
senting THE Settlement of Losantiville 

Mr. J. H. Patterson and His Children 

Mrs. J. J. Patterson in her home on Third Street . . . 

Certificate of Heraldry, showing origin of Patter- 
son Arms 

First Council of Gen. George Rogers Clark with 
the Illinois Indians 

Robert Patterson's Commission as Captain in Virginia 
Militia 

Map of Robert Patterson's Dayton land 

A Family Group at the Rubicon Farm 

Capt. William Patterson 

Capt. Robert Patterson 

Map of Enniskillen, Ireland 

Map of Robert Patterson's Lexington property. . . . 

Robert Patterson's Certificate of Appointment as 
Ensign, Company G, 11th Ohio Volunteers.... 

Land Patent, signed by Patrick Henry 

Land Patent, signed by James Madison 

Robert P.\tterson's certificate of appointment as 
Captain, 61st Regiment, 0. V. I 

Jefferson Patterson's certificate of membership in 
Cincinnati Pioneer Society 

Robert Patterson's membership certificate in mili- 
tary order Loyal Legion 

Robert Patterson's certificate of honorable dis- 
charge from Ohio Volunteer Infantry 

XV 



Frontispiece 
0pp. p. 1 
13 

17 

181- 

211 
283 
331 
343 
349 
359 
385 

389 
393 
399 

405 

417 

419 

427 



ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE TEXT 



PAGE 

Portrait, Mrs. J. J. Patterson 14 

Original Arms of the Scottish Johnstons 17 

Enniskillen, Ireland 18 

Hotel de Ville de la Fierte Bernard' 19 

Arms of the Bernard Family 19 

Shearman's Valley, Pa 26 

A Sample of John Johnston's Handwriting 27 

Portrait, Col. John Johnston 36 

Portrait, Mrs. Rachel Robinson Johnston 36 

Fort Wayne in 1798 39 

The Piqua Burying-Ground 46 

Indians Playing Ball 48 

The Old Spring House at Piqua Farm 51 

Homestead of Col. John Johnston at Upper Piqua 53 

Entrance Hall of Johnston Homestead 55 

Back of Johnston Homestead 66 

Old Barn at Piqua Homestead 70 

Portrait, Col. John Johnston 81 

Monument Erected by Daughters of Revolution 101 

Col. John Johnston's Tomb 107 

Likeness of Col. Robert Patterson 114 

Map showing progress of Patterson Family 118 

Falling Springs, Where It Empties into the Conococ- 

heague 124 

Falling Springs Church 126 

Fort Pitt 135 

Robert Patterson's Hunting-Knife 138 

Emigrant Boat of Pioneers 139 

Royal Springs, Georgetown, Ky 142 

Spring Camping-Ground, site of Lexington . 147 

Col. Robert Patterson's Powder-Horn 163 

Portrait, Simon Kenton 170 

xvii 



ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE TEXT 

PAGE 

PoRTKAiT, Daniel Boone 171 

Portrait, George Rogers Clark 173 

Type of Pioneer of Eighteenth Century 186 

Old Block-House at Lexington, Ky 188 

First Home of Robert Patterson 198 

Bryan's Station 214 

Road Following Ford of Blue Licks 218 

Col. Robert Patterson's Escape from the Indians 222 

Fort Was&ington, afterwards Cincinnati 254 

Portrait, John Filson 255 

Portrait, Maj.-Gen. Arthur St. Clair 259 

The Patterson cradle 267 

Chair made at Bry'an's Station 271 

Portrait, Kitty' Patterson 288 

The Old Rubicon Grlst-Mill 297 

Lawn at Rubicon Farm 299 

Portrait, JIrs. Charles Anderson 300 

The old copper kettle used at Rubicon Farm 308 

Handcuffs for runaway negroes 314 

Robert Patterson's Tomb 315 

The Spring House at Rubicon Farm 320 

Sugar Camp 326 

Lawn Party at Rubicon Far.m 327 

The old Episcopal Church 329 

Lawn at Rubicon Farm 331 

Rubicon Farm 335 

Patterson family sleigh 336 

Old Log Mill 338 

Portrait, Mrs. Jefferson Patterson in ISoO 339 

The Patterson Elm, Rubicon Farm in distance 342 

Old Gate on Main Street Road 347 

The School-House at the Point 349 

Portrait, Jefferson Patterson 350 

Portrait, Frank J. Patterson 351 



MR. J. H. PATTERSON AND HIS CHILDREN 





INTRODUCTION 



^ HE diversified character of the subject- 
matter in this book, deahng, as it 
does, with two sets of family names, 
makes anything Uke Hterary vmity im- 
possible. There were two grandfathers, 
one an Indian fighter and one an Indian 
S3^mpathizer, whose life histories are here 
written for the interest of their descendants. 
While not renowned in a national sense, for statesman- 
ship or generalship, they certainly had, each of them, a share 
in shaping the history of the Great Northwest. One, 
with indomitable courage, pursued through campaign after 
campaign in Kentucky, Ohio and Illinois the aboriginal race 
that blocked the way of civihzation; the other, by his 
careful judgment, saved the United States the wasting of 
both money and blood, and foresaw future conditions with 
unerring vision. 
1 



2 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

In the preparation of this book, the Patterson and John- 
ston memoirs, as found in personal narrative and correspond- 
ence, have been supplemented and verified bj- \^•ills and 
court records and by such historical and genealogical litera- 
ture as the Libraries, both East and West, could furnish. 
The only absolutely reliable source of biogi'aphical material 
is personal narrative, and the Patterson family may be con- 
gratulated that it possesses in comparative completeness 
the actual story of each grandfather. 

The material from which the four chapters relating to the 
Johnstons are compiled comes largely from a paper read 
by John Johnston in his old age before the Ohio His- 
torical Society at Cincinnati, in which he relates the cir- 
cumstances of his journey to America and of his public 
service; and from the recollections of his daughter, Julia 
Johnston Patterson, transcribed at her dictation shortly before 
her death, at the instance of her son, John Henry Patterson, 
for the benefit of his children. Colonel Johnston was a con- 
tributor to Cist's Miscellany, published in Cincinnati in 1830, 
and his papers therein found are full of valuable records of 
his experience in early Ohio days. He contributed also to 
Howe's History of Ohio, of deserved local renown. His com- 
munications to the War Department as found in the Ohio 
Archives have yielded much of interest relating to his 
attempts to solve the Indian problem in Ohio from 1818 
to 1842. 

The chapters relating to the Pattersons are from widely 
scattered memoranda. Col. Robert Patterson in 1816 wTote 
a sketch of his life for his son-in-law, Rev. Dr. James ^^'elsh, 
who intended preserving in proper form the record of so 
remarkable a career. Had he done so, this book, it is need- 
less to say, would have been a rich storehouse of experience. 
But Dr. Welsh moved to Indiana and the work stopped, 
leaving only fragments of narrative such as Patterson's 



INTRODUCTION 3 

journey up the Ohio River when he was wounded by the 
Indians; his part in George Rogers Clark's lUinois Cam- 
paign; the Dunmore War; the Logan and Bowman Miami 
Campaigns, and the purchase and founding of Cincinnati. 

No one now living knows what became of the original 
life sketch. Some ten years later, when Robert Patterson 
was confined to his home with the beginning of what was 
his last illness, he re- wrote the sketch in part. It is from 
portions of the first sketch copied in an old memorandum 
book owned by John Patterson of Shaker Village (a cousin 
who wished to add it to his own memories), and from copies 
made of the second sketch by Harriet Nisbet and Dr. Hug- 
gins, that the most intimate of these chapters are written. 
Culbertson Patterson, son of Shaker John Patterson, kept the 
old book and in the early forties Henry L. Brown borrowed 
it and made copies, adding thereto the narrative of his 
mother, Catherine Patterson Brown. All of these papers are 
now in the possession of her grandson, Ashley Brown, and 
have been largely used in the compilation of this volume. 

Pennsylvania Historical Notes, Western Annals and 
Biographical Sketches show how Robert Patterson served 
on the danger line for twenty-five years, with loaded rifle 
in ready reach night and day for instant service. The 
brothers John, Francis and William are found enrolled in 
the Pennsylvania and Virginia reserves for the entire period 
of the Revolution, William at the age of sixty participating 
in the battle of the Cowpens under Colonel Morgan; P>ancis 
aged sixty-two, and John, sixty-five, being in emergency 
camps. 

Evidence of the services of the elder Pattersons and 
their sons in Colonial and Revolutionary times, was gathered 
by Robert Patterson on the advice of his friend and attor- 
ney, Henry Clay, and, with additional evidence, was filed 
by Mr. Clay in the War Office at Washington in support 



4 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

of Colonel Patterson's appeal for a grant of land. Kenton, 
Boone and others made similar efforts for recognition of 
their services and achievements. This influenced Congres- 
sional action in passing an enabling measure in April, 1806. 

At the outbreak of the War of 1812 a pension was 
granted Colonel Patterson of three hundred dollars a year, 
but this having been allowed only from date of application, 
he at once filed a claim for arrears, involving a repetition of 
the tedious work of gathering evidence, as the original claim 
and pa{)ers had been destroyed by the British in the burning 
of Washington in 1814. 

To secure additional evidence as to his services in the 
years 1770 to 1775, Colonel Patterson encouraged one of his 
sons, Robert L. or Jefferson, in 1824 or '25, to visit among 
relatives in Virginia and Pennsylvania, calling also on such 
army associates as he might direct, to secure the desired 
testimony. Statements were gotten from Colonel Shepherd, 
who lived near Wheeling; Col. Joseph Tarance (Torrence or 
Lawrence), of near Connellstown, Pa., and from others in 
Bedford and Lancaster counties. The sworn statements of 
Gen. George Rogers Clark, Simon Kenton and others as 
to Robert Patterson's services in the Dunmore expedition 
to the Pickaway Plains were sent to Mr. McClain in the 
fall of 1826 with certified copy of portions of young Pat- 
terson's diar}' on the trip, and are now to be found among 
the old I'ecords at Washington. 

Ashley Brown says: — 

" Harriet Nisbct and Doctor Huggins agreed in understanding that it 
was in 1825 or '26 that one of the Colonel's sons, presumably Jefferson, 
made the horseback trip for evidence in support of the pension claim 
filed by Senator McClain in 1828, and that the journey 'covered several 
months, crossing through Zanesville to Wheeling, up the Ohio River to 
Pittsburg, thence to Ligonier and Bedford, spending much time around 
his grandfather Patterson's old home farm at head of the Big Cove, fifteen 
or twenty miles southeast of Bedford. Carrying letters from Captain 



INTRODUCTION 5 

Nisbet he called upon Gen. William Young, one and a half miles out of 
Chambersburg, Mrs. Young and Captain Nisbet being first cousins. He 
met many of his mother's relatives in Frankhn County, Pa., then 
crossing Maryland, forded the Potomac into Virginia to visit among 
descendants of his grand-uncle, Wilham Patterson.' 

"Returning via Lancaster County, he visited the Patterson relatives 
on 'Sweet Arrow ' farm. The information gathered upon this trip the 
Colonel transmitted to his daughter, Catherine Patterson Brown, and his 
cousin, John (Shaker) Patterson, and it forms the basis of the early 
story of the Pattersons. 

" In preparing this application for arrears and the affidavits necessary, 
the Colonel was assisted by his son-in-law, Rev. James Welsh, who, be- 
ginning in 1816, did the necessary corresponding until his removal from 
Dayton. He collected and compiled the facts of early Patterson history, 
beginning with preparations for leaving Ireland, the landing of John and 
Robert at or near New London, Connecticut, slow journey South, final 
settlement in Pennsylvania, then the scattering of the family as the boys 
and girls grew up. 

" Many of these valuable papers have been destroyed, but those that 
remained after the death of Colonel Patterson and of James Welsh came 
into the possession of Catherine Patterson Brown, who added to them by 
recording many reminiscences which she had heard her father narrate, and 
also her own recollection of the home in Lexington, the moving to Dayton 
in 1804, and the family life at Rubicon Farm." 

Mrs. Julia J. Patterson remembered that the pension 
claim was allowed, and the treasury draft for something 
over eighteen hundred dollars was received by the executors 
of Colonel Patterson's will and distributed among the heirs. 

The late Dr. R. D. Huggins, of West Alexandria, into 
whose hands as executor under the will of Dr. Robert Pat- 
terson Nisbet passed the papers in the estates of William 
and Captain Nisbet, and who also possessed the Patterson 
papers left by William Nisbet, had been reared in the Nisbet 
family, practised medicine with Dr. Nisbet, and was very 
familiar with Patterson history. He also contributes in- 
teresting details. 

William Nisbet, above referred to, was a boy friend and 



6 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

neighbor of Robert Patterson in Pennsylvania, the executor 
of his will and father of Elizabeth Patterson's husband. His 
associations with the Patterson family reached back to the 
years at Sweet Arrow Farm in Lancaster County and at 
the Bedford Spring home under Cove Mountain. He told 
of Robert's boyhood and marriage and the trip West ; his 
son Captain Nisbet wi'ote the story down, and it was preserved 
by Harriet Nisbet. These also are among the Henry L. 
Brown papers. 

Copies of many papers which were destroyed by fire in 
Washington were lent by the late Jefferson Patterson to 
Lyman C. Draper of Madison, and are preserved in the 
Wisconsin Historical Society Library and have been carefully 
examined. Among them the memoranda left by Jefferson 
Patterson, of his father's statement of the family names and 
number of children in the different branches, being com- 
pared with records of the Pattersons in Coimty Donegal, 
L'eland, help to fix the descent from families on the other 
side. 

The Court House records at Lexington, Kentucky, yielded 
much information in regard to the land which Robert 
Patterson pre-empted, his father's will, and various straight- 
enings-out of family relationships. 

Litigation was the bread of life to those early settlers, 
and the records and old letters are full of it. Robert 
Patterson had sometimes six lawsuits on his hands at 
once, lasting from two to twenty years. The cases were 
almost without exception disputes about land boundaries. 
LTpon a correct title to his land depended all the fortune 
a settler had, and his prospects for his children. A row of 
blazed trees marked the first claim, and if the claimant's 
blazed trees ran across the defendant's blazed trees, that 
meant a lawsuit. The Court Houses of every State in the 
Middle West contain volumes of the proceedings in equity 



INTRODUCTION 7 

of the early courts, and all on the all-important, ever-de- 
batable land question. 

It was from depositions made by Robert Patterson that 
facts were learned of the deponent's life in Kentucky from 
1775 to 1804, such as his pre-emption of land for himself 
and his father, the date of the removal of his father and 
step-mother and theii" younger children to the frontier, and 
the death of his father in 1801. • The lawsuit was between 
Francis Patterson and John Bradford, "the Benjamin Frank- 
lin of the West," as he is called in the histories, and the 
depositions are recorded in the old Lexington Com-t House. 

The best sources of original information to the historian 
are old family letters. As they are the most valuable, so 
they are the most difficult to deal with, and require large 
patience and research. The Pattersons were wise in their 
painstaking preservation of faiTiily correspondence. Nine 
bulky scrap-books were furnished the writer to use as seemed 
best in the compilation of this history. It seemed a gold 
mine at first sight; but investigation was discoui'aging. 
In the first place, everything had been kept; not only old 
letters, but party invitations, wedding cards, bills of lading, 
recipes for eye water, notices of stray cows, receipts for pew 
rent, newspaper clippings that had little to do with the 
Pattersons above ground or below, and directions how to 
keep moths out of woolens. These were fastened in by pins 
that clung fast to the pages with rust forty years old. 

Some of the old letters would make a purist weep. A 
legislative friend writes to Robert Patterson from Virginia 
that "The Assembly are still setting." Other correspondents 
write of "shuggar trees," "Divine grase" and a "cegg 
of butter." They inclined to spell general and gentleman 
with a "j" and jom-ney with a "g." Proper names suf- 
fered the same uncertainty. Daniel Boone spelled his name 



8- CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

as often without as with the final "e." Kentucky school 
boys who are now old men know that there used to be 
a tree near Jonesboro which bore the inscription cut with a 
jack-knife — "D. Boon cilled bar here." The name of the 
state was Kantucke, Kaintucke, Cantucky or Caintuckky, 
indifferently. "Battertart" turns out to be Boutetourte and 
"Dady" was Governor Shelby's way of alluding to his father. 
Orthography was an independent process, owing no alle- 
giance to any school or method. The best one could say 
of the pioneers in this respect was that they shot straighter 
than they spelled, which, after all, was the fundamental 
necessity in those da^'s. 

The pioneers made their own ink. The wonder is that 
it yields up anything after one hundred and twenty-five 
years. Paper was scarce and high priced. A sheet had to 
hold all it could and leave place for the sealing wax to 
tear its way through the third page. We search up and 
down these cramped and closely written pages to find some 
details of every-day life that would serve to rehabilitate 
for their descendants the lives of these forefathers and 
foremothers. We begin at the top left-hand corner and 
find "Respected Sir" squeezed in a space an inch long. 
The signature tells us that this is a brother writing to a 
brother; a son to a father. Surely we shall find here 
some family affairs; some incidents in these lives that to 
us are surrounded by a sort of halo. We dig out word 
by word all down the first page, — and the second, — and the 
third, to find, — what? Why, their views on Eternal Punish- 
ment or the Trinity. The state of Infant Damnation occu- 
pies a large part of many of these early letters. Perhaps 
after three pages of close- writ theological dialectics we may 
find interpolated as an afterthought, "On Sunday morning 
last my dear Rebecca (or Catherine or Margaret, as the 
case might have been) presented me with a fine son." 



INTRODUCTION 9 

This does not prove that these men were hard hearted or 
mdifferent to household affection. On the contrary, they 
were devoted to their wives and babies; but whether it 
was the fact that custom forbade much expression of emo- 
tion, or that the arrival of another son in a Patterson family 
was of such frequent occurrence, it did certainly seem that 
what was happening to the new-comer on earth was of 
less moment than his destiny in the great Beyond. 

No apology seems necessary for introducing so largely 
into this book the narratives word for word as they flowed 
from the quill pens of the old people who wrote them. If 
the writers sometimes rambled or told things twice, we still 
assume that their homely diction gives a dignity to the story 
which the language of a mere historian could never do. 
And it must be remembered that the audience on the 
other side of the foot-lights is not the general reading 
public Qiterar}^ critics with sharpened pencils on the front 
row), but an audience of loving grandchildren unto the 
fourth and fifth generation, to whom every personal touch 
is precious, — the ego of the buried yet living dead. 

The published sources of information in regard to the 
Patterson and Johnston families wei-e found in the follow- 
ing books: Pioneer Biography, McBride; Life Among the 
Indians, J. B. Finley; American Archives; History of the 
Presbyterian Church in Kentuckj^, Davidson; The Filson 
Society Publications; The Choir Invisible, James Lane Allen; 
Bradford's Notes on Kentucky; The Virginia Calendar; 
History of Fayette County, Kentucky; American Ancestry; 
Archaeologia Americana; Historical Sketch of the Shawanee 
Indians, Eggleston; Life and Times of Lewis Cass; Rem- 
iniscences of Bishop Philander Chase; Magazine of American 
History; Collins' History of Kentucky; Ranck's History of 
Lexington, Kentucky; American Pioneers, Vol. II; Cincin- 



10 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

nati, by Charles Cist ; Cist's Miscellany ; Land Owners of 
Great Britain ; Surtee's Society Publications ; Douglass' Peer- 
age of Scotland; New Statistical Account of Scotland; 
Genealogical Account of the Family of Johnstons; His- 
torical Families of Dumfriesshire and the Border Wars; 
Pennsylvania Magazine; Cincinnati's Beginning; Romance 
of Western History; C3'clopedia of American Biography; 
Magazine of Western History; Munsell's Genealogical Rec- 
ord; Roosevelt's Winning of the West; Lyman C. Draper's 
Collection, Wisconsin Historical Society Library; Virginia 
State Papers; Lexington, Ky., Court Records. 

Thanks are due to Col. R. T. Durrett of Louisville, 
Ky., for the generous use of his library; to A. A. Thomas, 
Esq., of Dayton; to Miss Electra C. Doren, of the Dayton 
Public Librar}^; to Mr. W. H. Polk, of Lexington, Ky. ; to 
Mr. G. M. Whicher, of New York, and to Mr. Frederic K. 
Conover, of Madison, \Vis., for valuable advice and assist- 
ance m the preparation of the book. 

Dayton, Ohio, January, 1902. C. R. C. 



MRS. JULIA JOHNSTON PATTERSON 
AND HER ANCESTORS 



Her life, its interests and usefulness; her 
character and varied experiences; the 
Scotch-Irish Johnstons; a stanch people; 
migration from scotland to holland and from 
Holland to Ireland; immigration to America; 
John Johnston's youth. 





MRS. JULIA JOHNSTON PATTERSON AND HER ANCESTORS 

" Within the bounds of Annandale 
The gentle Johnstons ride; 
They have been here a thousand years, 
And a thousand more they'll abide." 

Old Song. 

N May twenty-ninth, 1897, there 
passed away a woman the record 
of whose life v\dll bear exceeding 
interest, not only for her immediate 
descendants, but for many people in 
Dayton and elsewhere. A character of 
great strength, she stands for a type rapidly 
disappearing in the more complex elements of modern 
society; one which it is well to recall and dwell upon. 

The eighty-six years of Julia Johnston Patterson's life 
stretched over the pioneer period of Ohio's history to the 
later social life of Dayton. She saw the procession of hu- 
manity pass from the log cabin in the stockade fort to 
the stately and beautiful homes of to-day; from the forest 
wilderness to paved city streets; from the primitive hard- 
ships of farm life half a century ago, to the present exist- 
ence of luxurious comfort. She saw Indian wars and the 
great Rebellion; the industrial development of this country 
revealed itself, year by year, before her eyes, and she 
who had been born in a stockade fort and studied at a "dame 
13 



14 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



school" in a log cabin, lived to see her grandsons in a uni- 
versity. Her first journeys were on horseback through the 
trackless Ohio woods; her latest, in a Pullman vestibuled 
train through the State of New York. The carpets she 
played on when a child were woven in a hand loom at home; 
the lights were dipped candles, and the fabrics were spun 
on a wheel, woven in a loom, and finished with thimble and 
thread. From these primitive ways 
and manners she lived to enjoy 
the highest products of scientific 
machinery and skilled labor. 
She saw the introduction of 
modern farming implements, 
sewing machines, steam en- 
gines, gas, electricity, street 
and steam cars, the bicycle, 
the telegraph, the ocean 
cable, the long-distance tele- 
phone, and the phonogi'aph. 
Mrs. Patterson was an in- 
teresting talker and loved to 
dilate upon these contrasts in her 
life and to repeat anecdotes and 
reminiscences. Her physiognomy 
was a striking one, carrying with it the impression of strong 
character. She wore a cap according to the lovely old 
fashion when age was not ashamed to confess itself, and the 
eyes under it were commanding eyes which spoke with 
authority. Her white hair, soft as silk and bright as satin 
gloss, framed a face which was more beautiful with the 
lines of old age than many a younger one. She had the 
manner of a grande dame and stood as the head of the 
family to her last days; another good old fashion now 
gone out. 




MRS. J. .1. PATTERSON 



MRS. JULIA JOHNSTON PATTERSON 15 

Those who knew Mrs. Patterson well loved to recall her 
personality, her vivacity, her interest in all that pertained 
to life, especially to her own family history and connec- 
tions. Whether she is remembered through the stretch of 
years at the farm, where her open doors and bountiful table 
made good cheer for her friends and her children's friends; 
or during the later years in her city home, where she 
accepted her increasing age as did the patriarchs of old, 
with dignity and serenity, Mrs. Patterson will be a beau- 
tiful memory ; for she was a fine gentlewoman, a devoted and 
generous mother, a firm friend and a true Christian. 

During the closing moments of her last illness, when 
ah-eady separated in soul from the present time and sur- 
roundings, Mrs. Patterson's mind went back to the days 
of her childhood in Piqua. She lost count of the years 
lying between, and was a little girl again in the block- 
house with her mother. Raising herself upon one arm, she 
exclaimed, "The Indians! The Indians! they are coming 

to the Fort." 

* * ***** 

Since the clu'onicle of her life is for the benefit of her 
grandchildren, and will be, in the end, not only a biog- 
raphy but a family history, it is necessary to begin with 
the earlier generations of the family to which Mrs. Patter- 
son belonged and to trace the lineal descent of this re- 
markable woman. 

The parish of Johnston in Annandale Ues in the County 
of Dumfriesshire on the extreme southern border of Scot- 
land. It is six miles long and three broad. The River 
Annan makes its eastern boundary and all around it is 
begirt with woodland ridges of the Cheviot Hills and 
washed by the waters of Solway Firth. 

This spot of land, embedded between English and Scotch 
territory and soaked with the history of both, was the home 



16 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

of the Johnstons as far back as tradition goes. They were, 
as the Peerage of Scotland tells us, one of the chief 
Scottish clans and "a race of brave and warlike men of 
great authority and power on the border." They were 
distinguished for their constant warfare with the English 
Douglasses and a rival Scotch family, the Maxwells of 
Nithesdale. The Scotch Johnstons, the "bare-legged John- 
stons," have been called in ballad verse "sons of the 
mist and morass " ; their vigor and bravery are the sub- 
jects of many a legend of more or less authentic value. 

The first Johnston was Sir John de Johnston, Chevalier 
of Annandale, 1296. In 1590, another Sir John had the 
honor of knighthood conferred upon him at the Queen's 
coronation. He was murdered by John, eighth Lord Max- 
well, and "fell much regretted, being a gentleman full of 
wisdom and very well inclined." These fatal compliments 
were exchanged from time to time between the Maxwells 
and the Johnstons. Few of either family lived to old age: 
for the most part they died with their boots on, in the honored 
fashion of the border. During the reign of Elizabeth, Sir 
James Johnston was knighted and made "warden of the 
west marshes," an office held more than once by the family 
in the successive reigns of the sixteenth centurA'. 

An account of the parish of Johnston written in 1834* 
says that at that time there were onlj^ two families in the 
parish— that of Johnston numbering one hundred and nine 
souls, and of Halliday numbering forty-six. It further sa.ys: 
" In this very populous rural parish, we have neither public 
house, nor meeting house, nor resident surgeon, nor post office, 
nor prison, nor lawyer, nor beggar, — specialties we humbly 
conceive not to be found united in any parish of smaller 
dimensions in Great Britain and which are daily prized by 
us as distinguished blessings." This goes to prove that the 

* Statistical Account of Scotland. 




u 






.^ 



z 

Q 
< 



S 5 



« 5 



1 



K 

^ 



^ 




^i 






CJiRTlFICATE UF UKKALDltY, 8HO\\l.\(i JOHNSTON 
AKMS 




MRS. JULIA JOHNSTON PATTERSON 17 

Johnstons of that century, in the old country at least, 
inherited as firm a grip on their own ways of doing things 
as their ancestors had upon their sword hilts, and we shall 
find that they have not lost that characteristic in later 
days and domiciles. 

During the earlier generations of Johnstons their crest 
was a winged spur with a motto which expressed the same 
idea in different words according to the branch of the 
family which carried it. In some records we 
find "Semper Paratus" (Ready? Aye, ready). 
In others, it reads "Nunquam non Paratus" 
(Never Unready). The latter motto is borne 
by the present sons of Annandale, the Hope- 
Johnstons. The legend respecting the crest 
borne by this family is that the chief John- original 
ston, while at the Scotch court, hearing of an arms of the 
Endish king's treachery in endeavoring to get Scottish 

. „ /t^ ,• , 1 , ,1 . JOHNSTONS 

rid of Bruce m favor of Baliol, who was at that 
time in the English court, sent him a spur with a feather 
tied to it to indicate "flight with speed." Bruce acted on 
the hint, and afterwards, when King of Scotland, conferred 
upon Johnston this crest. 

But the "gentle Johnstons" did not all bide in Annan- 
dale. In the latter part of the seventeenth century, two 
brothers, James and Stephen Johnston, left the hills and 
morasses of Dumfriesshire and followed King William to 
Holland. In the year 1690 they again changed their abiding- 
place, to take certain lands and titles in Ireland which were 
granted to them by William III in consideration of their 
gallant services at the battle of the Boyne. In John John- 
ston's papers after his death was found this item : 

" James Johnston, named in the following commission, was my great 
great grandfather, came from Scotland into Ireland in the Royal 
Army, and was the founder and head of our family in Ireland." 



18 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



[Copy] 

" By the Lords Justices General of His Majesty's Kingdom of Ireland, 
Grafton Gallway to our Trusty and well beloved James Johnston, Gentle- 
men, We reposing special trust and confidence as well in the care, diligence 
and circumspection, as in loyalty, courage and readiness to do his Majesty 
good and faithful service, have nominated and appointed said James 
Johnston to be Quartermaster to Col. Morwyn Archdales "Troop of 
Dragoons, &c., &c. 

Given at His Majesty's Castle of Dublin, second day of Nov., 

1715, &c., &c." 

(Signed) 

CHAS. ELAFAGE. 

Upon an island in a strait some miles in length con- 
necting the Upper with the Lower Lough (Lake) Erne in 
Fermanagh County is the town of Enniskillen. It is not 
a very old town as age goes in the old country, having 
been founded in the reign of King James the First. In 
this parish, and four miles from the town, Uved the two 




ENNISKILLEN, IRELAND 



MRS. JULIA JOHNSTON PATTERSON 19 

brothers Johnston, when after their continental military 
adventures they found themselves landed gentlemen. 

To James Johnston were given the Manor and lands 
of Droumsluice, his crest being an outstretched arm 
encased in armor and displaying the hand. To Stephen 
Johnston, his brother, were given the lands of Goblusch. 
The elder of these brothers, James Johnston, was the 
direct ancestor of the Patterson family on the side of 
Julia Johnston Patterson. 

The annals of the parish of Enniskillen are fuU of John- 
stons, for the brothers had large families; but the records 
are scant in detail. We find in James's line, three great- 
grandsons, Stephen, John and Francis Johnston, Stephen 
living at the old manor of Droumsluice, four miles from Ennis- 




PORTE HOTEL DE VILLE DE LA FERTE BERNARD 

killen in the County of Fermanagh, Northwest Ireland. 
This Stephen was the father of Col. John Johnston and the 
grandfather of Mrs. Julia Johnston Patterson. 

Either Stephen must have changed his residence later 




20 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

than this record, or John Johnston was mistaken in his 
reminiscences, for the latter says (in Appleton's Cyclopedia 
Am. Biog., foot-note) that he (John) was born in Bally- 
shannon, County Donegal, Ireland. At any rate the locali- 
ties are so near as to be almost identical. 
Stephen Johnston's wife was Elizabeth 
Bernard, a girl of French descent, of a 
rich and influential family, and of liberal 
education for those days. Her grand- 
parents, having emigi'ated from France to 
Ireland, settled in a home not far from 
.^RMsoFTHE BalUutra and left her at their death a 

BERNARD FAMILY - , <• , , i i i , i- 

fortune oi ten thousand pounds sterlmg. 
This marriage, an exceptionally happy one, was blessed 
with six children, five boys and a girl, named respectively, 
James, Francis, Stephen, William, John, and Mary. John, 
the fifth child and the subject of this sketch, was born in 
March, 1775. 

On June fourteenth, 1791, Stephen Johnston brought his 
family to the United States, the son John having jDreceded 
the family some time before. They left their estates of 
Droumsluice and landed at Philadelphia on August twenty- 
ninth, after a voyage of forty-four days. Stephen settled in 
Pennsylvania near Tuscarora Creek, Mifflin County, where 
he afterward died, and was Inuied in the latter part of the 
last century. 

The widow, Elizabeth Bernard Johnston, with those 
children yet unmarried, moved from Pennsylvania to Piqua, 
Ohio, where she died at the ripe old age of ninety-three, 
much beloved and respected. Her children married as fol- 
lows: Stejihen, to Mary Caldwell of Ohio; William, to Mary 
Shaw of Kentucky; Francis, to Elizabeth Elliott of Penn- 
sylvania; James, to Mary Adams of Pennsylvania; John, 
father of Mrs. Patterson, to Rachel Robinson of Philadel- 



MR.S. JULIA JOHNSTON PATTERSON 



21 



phia. From now on, it is with the Hfe and family of Col. 
John Johnston, the fifth son of this Irish-French alliance, 
that we have the greatest concern. 




COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 

His life and times; becomes clerk in War 
Department; Pittsburg and Pennsylvania 
one hundred and thirty years ago; journey 
West; military executions; experiences 
with the Indians; Little Turtle; Indian 
customs; Treaty of Greenville; influx of 
settlers; John Johnston's marriage with 
Rachel Robinson, and settlement at Fort 
Wayne; his relations with the Indians. 




CHAPTER II 




COT>. JOHN JOHNSTON 

•'.-l good vian's character is the icorhl's covimon 
legacy." 

'YT^HX JOHNSTON was born, as he 
has written, in Ballyshannon, County 
Donegal, Ireland, in March, 1775, 
leaving there when eleven years of 
age to come to America. From a 
brief summary of his career as a 
citizen of the United States, we find him to have been, 
from first to last, these several things: A clerk 
in the War Department; Indian Agent for thirty- 
one years; Canal Commissioner for Ohio for eleven years; 
Paymaster .and Quartermaster throughout the War of 
1812; President of the Historical and Philosophical Society 
of Ohio; author of the article on "Indian Tribes in 
Ohio";* founder of the fu'st Sunday-school in Miami 
County; first Lay Reader in the Southern Ohio Diocese of 
the Episcopal Church; one of the founders of Kenyon Col- 
lege ; Trustee of Miami College in Oxford, and member of the 
Visiting Board at West Point. He was also an accepted 



*5th Vol. of A 



Antiquarian Soc. Col. 



25 



26 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



authority on all Indian affairs; he was familiar with their 
language, religion, and war habits, and his articles con- 
tributed to the Archseologia Americana and to Cist's Mis- 
cellany in 1845 contain much valuable material relative to 
this decaying race. 

His character may be conceived from words which he 
penned more than fift}^ _vears ago and which are, in this 
form, a lesson applicable to the more distant generation of 
his descendants. Speaking of the members of the Johnston 
family who had fought in the Revolutionary War under 
General Washington, he says: 

"I humbly trust, as their blood flows in my veins, that the spirit 
which guided them has still an abiding-place in my affections; for my 
rule throughout a long life of more than four score years, in peace and 
war, has invariably been to go for our country, no matter who might 
govern it, and this lesson has been instilled into the minds of my children, 
and so it was with their excellent mother who trained them up for God 
and their country." 

Again, 
his two 
gallant 
sons, who 
perished 
in the 
]\I exican 
War, he 
f o r t i fied 
at their 
departure 
^dth these 
words: 
"You are 
to know 
nothing of 
and always 




shearman's 
valley, pa. 
where john john- 
ston spent his 

BOYHOOD 



party or party men. Be faithful to your flag, 



COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 




A SAMPLE OF 

HIS 
HANDWRITING 



remember that the first and last duty 
of a soldier is to keep a shut mouth 
and obey orders." 

The leading facts of John John- 
ston's life, briefly told, are these:* 
He left Ireland when he was eleven 
years of age in the company and nom- 
inal care of a kuid priest, a trusted 
friend of the family and private tutor 
to the children. There seems to have 
^ been some objection on the part of the 
family to the young son's taking so long a 
joarnej', but his mother, knowing that he 
was determined to go and having placed 
him in so good hands, made no objection. 
His father, mother, four brothers and one 
sister remained for a time in Ireland. 
John Johnston obtained a position in the War Depart- 
ment at Philadelphia, under Henry Dearborn, the first Secre- 
tary of War, through the assistance of his clerical patron, 
and it was also said that his own beautiful handwriting was 
a means to this end. The story is told that the priest took 
the young boy John to the War Office in the hope of secur- 
ing him a copyist's desk, and introduced him to a Mr. Bird, 
then in charge of the office. Mr. Bird directed the boy to 
go to a desk near by and leave a sample of his handwriting. 
Johnston did as he was bidden and was told to call the 
next day to learn the result. He did so and was de- 
lighted to find that he was himself to occupy that 
desk in the future. 

A proof that he made himself valuable to the 
Department lies in the fact that later in life, when he 
had been for many years out of the employ of the 




28 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



Government, he was appointed United States Factor and 
Indian Agent, where he continued to serve his country in 
a clerkly capacity for many yeai's. 

Five years after John Johnston's establishment in Amer- 
ica, the remainder of the family followed him, and settled 
in Tuscarora County, Pennsylvania. Here, in 1795, the 
father, Stephen Johnston, died, and the daughter married. 
In the meantime, young John Johnston was meeting all sorts 
of experiences to fit him for his later career. Several years 
of his life were spent at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where, in 
the mercantile establishment of Judge John Creigh, which 
was both a store and a recruiting office for the Indian wars, 
he learned much that was to be valuable to him in the 
future. Following the lamentable defeat of General St. Clair, 



another a r m y , 
lant General 
recruited and 
Thomas Butler, 
wounded in the 
Clair, and other 
survived that 
were stationed 
was most nat 
descriptions of 
rivers and plains 
tant Ohio Valley, 
thrilling ex peri 
savages, should 
imagination o f 




under the gal- 
Wayne, was being 
sent out ; Col. 
who had been 
defeat of St. 
officers who had 
bloody battle, 
at Carlisle; audit 
ural that their 
the forests, 
of the far-dis- 
and of then- 
ences with the 
have fired the 
young Johnston 



and made him long to have a hand in making the history 
of his country. 

An opportunity soon occurred. Samuel Creigh was pre- 
paring to go West wdth a stock of goods for sale to the tribes, 
and Johnston begged to be allowed to accompany him. The 




COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 

journey from Carlisle to Pittsburg was made 
entirely on foot, walking beside the loaded 
wagons. It is appropriate here to make 
use of a biographical sketch by this pioneer 
officer and gentleman of the early Ohio 
civilization. It was written for the Pioneer 
Association of Cincinnati and read by him, 
then a venerable man of eighty-two years, 
on October eleventh, 1857. Colonel 
Johnston's own account of this expe- 
rience is so much better than any 
revised version, that we shall give it 
verbatim- for the edification of his great- 
grandsons, none of whom will ever have to walk fifteen 
miles a day, through winter snow, as a prelude to his set- 
tlement in life: 

"I was then in my seventeenth year, and the journey, performed in 
the depth of winter, fifteen miles a day for loaded wagons, was considered 
a good day's work. The average for the whole trip per day would fall 
short of that, such was the wretched condition of the roads in 1792. 
There was not, at that period, a single mile of good turnpike in the State 
of Pennsylvania. The mountain region was so thinly populated that the 
local labor was entirely inadequate to keep the roads in any kind of repair. 
The settlers west of the mountains transported their supplies of salt, iron 
and other necessaries on packhorses. I have often seen fifty horses thus 
loaded in one party at a time passing over those rugged steeps. No salt 
or iron was then made in the West. The present generation could scarcely 
conceive the difficulties under which the early settlers of those days 
labored while working in the fields. Some had to watch against the ap- 
proach and surprise of the Indians. In after years I had prisoners among 
my Indians taken from near Redstone Old Fort (now Brownsville), and 
many from the adjacent parts of Virginia. Some were taken in infancy 
and too young to enable us ever after to trace up their paternity or find 
the place of their capture. Many such distressing cases fell under my 
observation during my long agency for Indian affairs in the Northwest. 

"It may not now be out of place in a narrative of this kind to state 
that the Hon. Lewis Cass, now Secretary of State of the United 




30 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

States, first crossed the mountains on foot at a somewhat later period 
than myself. The year I have forgotten. Although very young at the 
time, he carried in his knapsack all that he possessed. We were among 
the early adventurers of the Northwest, long and intimately associated 
together in the management of Indian affairs. While Governor of Michi- 
gan, he superintended the department in which I was the senior agent. 
More fortunate than myself, he has attained to high honors and great 
wealth, while the evening of my life finds me in possession of a bare com- 
petence. 

"We finally reached Pittsburg, then a small, unimportant place, with- 
out, I think, a single brick building. The town consisted of a string of 
log houses along the banks of the Monongahela River. There were still 
some of the remains of the ancient French Fort Duquesne at the junction 
of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers. The magazine, which was 
bombproof, was still perfect. Fort Fayette, erected under the authority 
of the United States and for protection only against the Indians and for 
the sure keeping of the public property, stood on the east bank of the 
Alleghen}' about half a mile above the forks of the river. It was a stock- 
ade fort of the usual kind, with a blockhouse at the angle. There was 
no settlement of the whites west of the Allegheny River. The Indian 
War was raging and men were often waylaid and murdered by the savages 
and their mutilated bodies brought to the town for interment. 

" While the army remained here previous to its going into quarters at 
Legionville, about twenty miles below on the right bank of the Ohio, 
several desertions took place. It became necessary to make an example 
by a pubhc execution. A Sergeant Trotter deserted in the night; was 
pursued and taken next morning; brought into camp; a drumhead 
court-martial was called; he was tried, sentenced and taken out and shot 
at two o'clock in full view of the whole army. The unfortunate man was 
not more than twenty-five years old, tall and well-proportioned — a fine- 
looking soldier. Such examples, although terrific in their character, be- 
came necessary to preserve the army from dissolution. Three others were 
shot for a similar crime after the army reached Hobson's Choice, at Cin- 
cinnati. Subsequently, two other soldiers were ordered for execution, 
but they were pardoned at the instance of the lady of General Wilkinson 
— the deserters having wives. 

"The army remained at Legionville from the spring of 1793 until 
September of the same year, at which time it reached Hobson's Choice. 
Later in October, General Wa3'ne, with his army, reached Greenville and 
went into winter quarters. In the same month, Lieutenant Lowry and 



COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 31 

Ensign Boyd, with a command of nearly one hundred men, were attacked 
and defeated near Fort St. Clair. Both of these gallant young officers 
and many of their men perished in the conflict. 

" On the thirtieth of June, 1794, Major McMahon, with his command, 
had a hard-fought battle with the Indians under the walls of Fort Re- 
covery, the ground of St. Clair's disaster. The savages were repulsed with 
a loss on our part of Major McMahon, Captain Hartshorn and Lieutenant 
Craig killed, and fifty officers and soldiers wounded. I happened to be at 
Greenville at the time. The firing of the cannon was distinctly heard, Fort 
Recovery being only fifteen miles distant. The force of the enemy being 
unknown, it was deemed imprudent to detach a force for the relief of the 
garrison. Captain Gibson, who defended Fort Recovery, kept his post 
with great skill and courage. The enemy was disappointed and repulsed, 
but our loss was severe. 

"In the summer of 1794, Colonel Elliott, one of the contractors of 
the army, was killed by the Indians while on his way from headquarters 
at Greenville to Fort Washington and near to where Pittman's tavern 
afterward stood on the Hamilton Road. The soldier who accompanied 
him escaped by the fieetness of his horse and made his way safe to Fort 
Washington. Captain Pierce, then in command, sent out a detachment 
next day to recover the remains and bring them in for interment. The 
servant-soldier of Elliott accompanied the party to identify the place of 
the murder. Arriving at the spot and in searching among the under- 
growth bushes for the body, the Indians, being still in ambush, shot the 
unfortunate soldier. His body, with that of his master, which was most 
barbarously mutilated, was brought in and buried at the old graveyard 
at the corner of Fourth and Main streets, Cincinnati. The name and his- 
tory of the soldier is unknown — and so it is always; the common soldier 
does the hard fighting and seldom receives any of the glory. Hundreds 
of their remains he scattered throughout the Northwest, who have never 
had a grave to cover them. Many of the remains of those killed near 
Fort Wayne were thus exposed and gathered together for burial in my 
time. 

"We of Ohio should ever highly esteem our privileges; for that noble 
country which it is our happy lot to enjoy was purchased by an immense 
sacrifice of blood and treasure. How grateful should be our feehngs and 
attachments, hke hooks of steel, to Washington and the Federal Govern- 
ment, who sustained and sent forth armies after so many defeats, until 
the enemy was conquered and brought to submit to our terms by the 
Treaty of Greenville of 1795. Nor is our debt of gratitude less due to 




32 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

our neighbor, chivalrous Kentucky, vvho after conquering and expelling 
from her own soil, without aid or assistance from the Federal Government, 
the hordes of savages, North and South, came voluntarily to our assist- 
ance and never ceased coming at our call until we rested in peace and 
security. The soil of Ohio has been drenched with some of the best blood 
of Kentucky. The Indian wars, as well as the second war for independ- 
ence in 1812, testified how 

'" Her heroes then arose, who, scorniiift coward self, for others lived. 
Toiled for their ease and for their .safet)'^ bled.' 

" It is the high reward of those who have risked their Uves in defense 
of their country that their names are sweet in the mouths of men, and 
every age shall know their actions. Ohio should evermore remember 
Kentuckjf as her best friend in time of need. 

"At the Treaty of Greenville, in 179.5, and at every subsequent con- 
vention and treaty with the Commissioners of the United States, the dis- 
tinguished Indian chief named Little Turtle contended manfully for the 
rights and interests of his people. The boundary line proposed by him 
to General Wayne was the Great Miami River of Ohio, and this turned 
out to be in accordance with the instructions of President Washington and 
his Cabinet, but General Wayne would never consent to this, as it would 
cut off all his fortified posts, except Fort Hamilton, which was on the 
west bank of the Miami. The line was finally established to run due 
north from the mouth of the Kentucky River. This saved the posts of 
Fort St. Clair, Jefferson, Greenville, Laramie and Piqua,and satisfied the mil- 
itary character and honor of Mad Anthony Wayne. That treaty put an end 
to the Indian War and opened out the fertile soil of the Northwest terri- 
tory to thousands of American citizens who flocked from all parts of the 
Union to possess it long before the surveys were made and the Land Office 
at Cincinnati opened. Squatters innumerable had settled on choice spots 
throughout the country. This gave rise to the preemption system— to 
secure to the settler the value of his labor. All the acts of the Federal 
Government referring to the disposal of the national domain, show a sacred 
regard to the providing of farms and homes for men of limited means. 
The original plan was to sell by whole sections of six hundred 
and forty acres only, but General Harrison, when in Congress, 
who was evermore the poor man's friend, had the Land Law 
M^Mt^T altered so that a quarter section of one hundred and sixty 
^^Sflif acres could be purchased ; and now that every human being can 
%^y^-^ possess his ground in fee simple, the quantity on sale is reduced 



l/fe 




COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 

to eighty and forty-acre tracts. What more could be done 
for the poor white man than to enable him to possess a com- 
fortable home for the paltry sum of fifty dollars ? And even 
for a less sum a forty-acre tract of canal land can be had in 
Northern Ohio. We can hardly sympathize with those who 
are clamoring for bread in the large cities, with the foregoing facts, 
which are everywhere accessible to all. 

"Of the first settlers known to me and remembered of Cincm 
nati and the Miami valley are the following: Griffin Yeatman 
was in 1793 the agent of the Commissary Department, or rather, 
assistant, Edward Day being the principal — the yellow house on 
the river bank being the principal storehouse and office; Captain Pierce, 
of the infantry, commanded Fort Wa.shington in the fall of 1794, when I 
left the country. Of the merchants, settlers and traders, the following 
are remembered: Samuel Creigh, with whom I came to the West in 1792; 
Oliver Ormsby; Mr. Bustard; McConnell; Tait; Bullock; Wilson; James 
Ferguson, who continued a resident of Cincinnati until his decease a few 
years ago; and T. Gibson, who was, I think, in after years first Auditor 
of the State of Ohio. The firm of Jesse and Abijah Hunt were the most 
extensive merchants in the country. There were others more transient, 
who came with goods and provisions, who sold out by wholesale and 
went away; but the foregoing names embrace the principal traders who 
followed the army. There were some mechanics. Patrick Dicky, a tailor, 
is remembered. Col. John Riddle carried on the blacksmith business. 
His shop was on the levee, not far from the old Miami Exporting Com- 
pany Bank. Levi Munsell, who had retired from the army, kept the 
best house of entertainment. I boarded with him in 1794. About this 
time the town began to show the direction of several streets. There was 
occasional preaching in a rough frame on the site of the Presbyterian 
Church, corner Fourth and Main streets. I remember the name of 
Arthur, a Scotchman, who preached there. The chaplain of the army 
was Jones, a Baptist, a near neighbor of General Wayne, from Chester 
County, Pa. His station was headquarters, Greenville. 

" I am under the impression that it was Gen. William Henry Harrison, 
then a Ueutenant in the army, who commanded the party ordered to inter 
the bones of those who fell in St. Clair's defeat, as stated by Doctor Ferris. 
The settlers at Columbia had sufficient to do at that time to defend them- 
selves from the attacks of the Indians and could illy spare a part of the 
male population to go so far ofT as the battleground. Besides this, there 
was, of the regular troops, sufficient to spare at Fort Washington to be 



34 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

detailed for the purpose of burying the remains, and I think it was they 
who performed that duty under the gallant Harrrison. 

"Of the first settlers on the road north from Cincinnati were the 
Whites at White's Station; the Ludlows at Ludlow's Station; Mclntires 
at the Tan-yard (now called Mechanicsburg, eighteen miles on the Dayton 
Road); Beattys at the crossing of the Lebanon and Hamilton Roads; 
Doctor Holds at Hold's Creek; and Newcom at Dayton. The first set- 
tlers on the Piqua Road, north, were Morrisons at Honey Creek; the 
Garrards, Blues and Felix at Staunton; HiUiards at Lower Piqua; and 
James Flynn and Shadrack Hudson at Upper Piqua (afterward the resi- 
dence of my family). Hudson had been in the army and planted the 
first corn on the place. He told me his manner of doing this. He broke 
up the prairie ground with two yoke of oxen. The sod, being 
fresh turned over, could not be scored out in the usual manner, 
so he drove his wagon over the ground, marking the rows by 
the wheels; then crossing the same at right angles and 
planting his seed at the points crossed. He was late in plant- 
ing, but had a fair crop. Matthew Caldwell, another of the 
first settlers, sowed his wheat on Christmas Day and had a 
good crop. The climate then was milder than at present. 
The fall and Indian summer extended far into December. 
I have encamped in the woods often in that month without fires, 
e.xcept for the purpose of cooking. The great flood in the Ohio, of 
79.3, overspread the entire lower plat of the city to the depth of at 
least four feet. The Indians often affirmed to me of a much higher 
rise in that river within their recollection. Among the incidents of the 
flood of 1793 was that of Peter Wals, the barber, going in a scow to dress 
the heads of some of the officers of the army — the officers and men 
wearing their hair long and using hair powder, the former requiring 
the services of a barber daily. The soldiers who mounted guard for the 
day were only required to be powdered. It was a very troublesome 
and inconvenient custom. After the death of General Wayne and on 
Wilkinson's attaining to the command of the army, a general order 
was issued requiring all officers and non-commissioned officers to have 
the hair cut short. As may readily be imagined, the order was unpopular 
with many. It was, however, generally compUed with. Col. Thomas 
Butler resisted and was brought to court-martial for disobedience. How 
the matter ended in his case, I have forgotten. He soon after left the 
army and settled in the Mississippi territory. This officer was wounded 
in St. Clair's defeat. He was a brother to Gen. Richard Butler, who fell 




COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 35 

in that battle. The family had signalized itself in the'wars of the country, 
three or four brothers having borne commissions in the Western army. 
The youngest Captain Butler was the last commander of Fort Laramie, 
fourteen miles north of my Indian agency at Upper Piqua. 

"I left Fort Washington in the fall of 1794, and ascended the Ohio 
to Wheeling in a small pirogue purchased by a party of nine, who clubbed 
for the cost and the common stock of provisions for the trip. We or- 
ganized for defense against the Indians, who often waylaid the river, 
attacking and capturing the boats. We chose John Ward, afterward 
Clerk of the Court at Steubenville, for our captain. The river was low 
and the passage tedious. One man of the party was always out on shore 
to guard against surprises from the Indians, and this duty was performed 
alternatel}^ by all the party, the captain excepted. We never made any 
fire at night. We cooked our supper in the afternoon, then pushed our 
craft on until night set in. We then sought some quiet nook, when we 
landed and lay down to sleep, one of the party keeping awake and acting 
as sentinel. We often lodged on islands, and sometimes on the north 
and other times on the south shore. Thus we baffled the savages, if any 
were in pursuit. We reached Wheehng in safety after a passage of more 
than twenty days. A large party which started with us and from which 
we purposely separated, lost two men killed and a woman wounded by 
the Indians. In passing up, we saw several remains of boats that had been 
captured and destroyed by the Indians; the unfortunate occupants being 
either killed or taken into captivity by the savages. My relative, Charles 
Johnston, of Botetourt, Va., was thus taken in 1792 on the Ohio, his 
boat being decoyed ashore by a base white man under pretense of being 
a prisoner escaped from the Indians. Mr. May, the principal owner of 
the boat and cargo, was shot through the head, dead, while holding up 
an emblem of surrender. Johnston, after being taken to the Wyandotte 
village on the Sandusky River, was ransomed by a humane trader named 
Francis Duchaquet, who was, for many years, my interpreter in the 
Shawanoese Nation. His Indian name was So-wagh-quo-the, or 
'The Fork.'" 

Again Colonel Johnston writes: 

"In the summer of 1794, I witnessed the arrival of the 
Kentucky volunteers at Cincinnati, under the command of 
General Scott, said to be twelve hundred strong, on their way 
to headquarters at Greenville to co-operate with General Wayne in 
the campaign against the Indians. They made a martial appearance. 




36 



COXCEimiNG THE FOREFATHERS 




(■()!.. .lOUX JOHNSTON' 



Their dress was a luiiiting-shirt and leggings, with the equipments — rifle, 

tomahawk, knife, pouoh and powder-horn. It was understood that there 
was not a drafted man in the whole com- 
mand. All were volunteers. In those 
times, the men of Kentucky thirsted for 
an opportunity of being revenged on the 
savages, for it would be difficult to find 
in the whole of that State a family who 
had not suffered the loss of some of its 
members by the inroads of the Southern 
and Northern Indians. 

"I spent the winter of 179.5 at Bour- 
bon Court House, having an uncle at that 
time a resident of that county; WiUiam 
Ciarrard, son of Governor Garrard, an early 
friend and acquaintance, who had received 
his education at Dickinson College, Carlisle, 
Pa., resided a few miles from the court 
house. This made my sojoiu'n there agree- 
able. I there made the acquaintance of the 

celebrated Daniel Boone, who was brought 

to the place by a Mr. Owings, as well as I 

can recollect, for the purpose of tracing up 

some land lines and titles. I slept four or 

five nights in the same room with Boone. 

He was a modest, retiring person, of 

medium size; of few words, scarcely speak- 
ing unless spoken to. His age at that 

time might have been fifty years. Although 

in midwinter, he was poorly attired, his 

garments all, or nearly all, being linen. In 

the earlier period of his life he was a 

prisoner among my Shawanoese Indians 

and, as such, often trod the ground of 

Upper Piqua, for so many years my home 

and seat of my agency for Indian affairs mus. k.u'Ukl uobinso.n 

in the Northwest." Johnston .\s a bride 

At the age of twenty-seven, John Johnston fell in love with 
Miss Rachel Robinson, of Philadelphia, a young Quakeress, 




COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 37 

sixteen years old, in whose father's family he at one time 
boarded. Her parents refused their consent to the marriage 
on accovmt of their daughter's j^outh, so the young people 
took matters into their own hands and eloped to Lancaster, 
Pennsylvania, where they were married on the fifteenth 
of July, 1802, by the Rev. Peter Muhlenberg. 

All the Quaker records in Philadelphia have been searched 
in vain to find any account of the Robinson family. Mrs. 
Patterson said that her grandmother was Rosanna Robin- 
son and that she was buried in the Ai"ch Street burying 
ground at Philadelphia. But the records show no such 
name. As Rachel married "out of meeting" and against 
parental authority, it is not to be wondered at that we can- 
not find her name on any of the books of the Friends' Society. 
She was dead to her Order when she left Philadelphia to 
join John Johnston at Lancaster. From Dr. Muhlenberg's 
house the young bride and groom, mounting their horses, 
started on their wedding trip over the Pennsylvania moun- 
tains. This journey, now accomplished in fifteen hours in a 
vestibuled train, must have been a wearisome undertaking 
to the gently-reared Philadelphia girl; a thousand miles on 
horseback, through the trackless forests, living on game and 
what they could carry in the saddle bags, sleeping under 
the stars, unprotected from the cold and storms, — what a 
wedding journey! And what courage and faith and love 
that could take a girl, who ought to have been safe in her 
mother's home or in the dormitory of a boarding-school, 
through such an experience ! Just a century later, her great- 
grand-daughter writes of it: 

"But love laughs at fears and accomplishes wonders; and so she came 
full of faith in her husband and in his ability to care for her. Nor was she 
disappointed. In the midst of dangers they were ever protected."* 

The young wife, who so bravely undertook to share the 



* Margaret C. Johnston in the " Early History of Piqu 




38 CONCKRNING THE FOREFATHERS 

vicissitudes of the pioneer life at that distant outpost of 
civiUzation at Fort Wayne, never regretted her choice. Forty 
years later, her husband referred to her as "My dearest 
wife, the choice of my youth, endowed with so many excellent 
qualities and endeared to me as the mother of my children." 
The best of a love story, if it is of the right kind, is the 
end of it. 

"Grow old along with me; 
The best is yet to be; 
The last of life, for which the first is made." 

What a pioneer was in those days is best learned from 
the words of a pioneer himself. The Hon. I. D. G. 
Nelson delivered an address before the Pioneer Association 
of Indiana on August fourteenth, 1886, a part of which 
reads as follows: 

"Preparers of the way, indeed, were we. The roads we built, the log 
bridges we threw across the streams we did not destroy, but left for those 
who were to come after us. The pioneer was unselfish. He cared not 
whether friend or foe was behind him; if he could make his way any 
more easy, he was glad of it. He felt that he was in partnership with the 
world — 'a fellow-feeling made him wondrous kind.' He was the ad- 
vance g\iard of an army — countless in numbers, irresistible in its 
power — an army that knew no such word as fail, and Hstened 
to no order for retreat. 

"The pioneer was the child of progress. He looked up, and 

. , „ , not down; forward, and not back. Behind him was the past,- 

n yi before him the future. He felt that the wise men came from 

the East, and took courage. The needle of his compass always 

pointed westward, and he followed it. 

"Our pioneer dreamed dreams and saw visions. He dreamed 
of the old home, of gray-haired father and mother, watching from the low- 
doorway the departing children, or perchance sleeping in the village church- 
yard; perhaps of smaller green mounds covering his John or Kate — or 
of the country church, where theologie dust knocked from the pulpit 
cushion in the good old orthodox way had so often closed his eyes and 
ears on drowsy Sunday afternoons — or of the spelling-bee or singing- 
school, where he first met the country lass, 




COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 



39 




FORT WAYNE IN 179S 



' Who, tying her bonnet under her chin, 
Had tied the young man's heart within,' 

and kept it tied forever after. His dreams were of yesterday. His visions 
were of to-morrow. He foresaw hard work and hard times, backache 
and heartache, blue days and weary nights, 
but he saw, too, in the dim future 
the town, the village, the city, 
the county, the state, an em- 
pire of itself; he saw thou- 
sands of homes and hundreds 
of thousands of owners, happy, 
prosperous people; he saw 
schools and churches, factories 
and fertile fields, institutions 
of science and learning; he 
saw capital and labor, brain 
and body, mind and muscle, all 
employed in the advancement of 
civilization and the permanent improve- 
ment of mankind. And of all this he 
was to be a part and parcel. What visions were these ! Do you wonder 
that the pioneer was a pioneer brave, cheerful and faithful?" 

The first important appointment of John Johnston by 
the Government, was that of United States Factor, and he 
was stationed at Fort Wayne, Indiana. Here, four chil- 
dren, Stephen, Rebecca, EHzabeth and Rosanna, were born 
to him. His duties as Factor consisted of looking after the 
Agency and distributing Government supplies of food, cloth- 
ing and weapons to the Indians. The Surgeon of the fort, 
a certain Dr. Elliott, was a dissipated man, and often 
was entirely unfitted, by his bad habits, to attend to busi- 
ness. John Johnston had learned some simple surgery, 
and gradually took upon himself a good deal of Elliott's 
work. This acceptance of new responsibility resulted in 
his being appointed Assistant Surgeon at Fort Wayne. 
The incident serves to show not only an aptitude for 
varied service, but a willingness to undertake it, which 



40 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

seems to be always one of the necessar}^ elements of suc- 
cess in life. 

Colonel Johnston relates some interesting experiences with 
the Indians while stationed at Fort Wayne. 

"Among the Indians of my agency, who were distinguished for their 
oratorical powers, were Buckingchilas, of the Delawares; Meshequanagh- 
qua, or the Little Turtle, of the Miamis; Cufewukasa, or Black Hoof, of 
the Shawanoese; and Togwane, or John, of the Senecas. Of all these, 
The Turtle was by far the most eloquent and the ablest Indian diplomatist 
and statesman. 

"I was often the guest of Little Turtle at his home on Eel River, a 
branch of the Wabash, about twenty miles from Fort Wayne. He lived 
in good style for an Indian; had two wives — one an old woman, the choice 
of his youth; the other, a young girl of eighteen years. Both appeared 
to hve in great peace and harmony. On my first visit to this chief, accom- 
panied by some officers of the army and ladies of the garrison, we were 
greeted with a very splendid British flag flying at the public square and 
in front of the council house. In my remarks to the Indians, I told 
them that we could not permit that flag to be displayed on American 
ground ; that it belonged to the English and not to us; that in all nations 
a flag was the emblem of sovereignty; that they, the Indians, were the 
subjects of the United States, residing far within our territorial limits, 
and that hereafter no English flag should be displayed on our soil. In 
reply, the chief stated that they had no flag but the one they exhibited ; 
that if I would furnish them with an American flag, they would use it and 
no other. I accordingly wrote to the War Department and received 
flags sufficient for all the tribes of my agency. 

"The Turtle received a compensation from the English government 
of one hundred guineas a year, and this was continued to him long after 
the United States assumed the jurisdiction. High living destroyed the 
health of this chief, who died at Fort Wayne, not quite sixty years old, 
of a confirmed case of the gout. He was buried b}' order of the command- 
ing officer, with military honors. 

" During the presidency of Washington, the Miami Indians sent a 
deputation to Philadelphia, at that time the seat of government. The 
Turtle being of the party and chief orator. They were graciously received 
by the President and by General Knox, the Secretary of War, and on 
their return home made a very favorable report to their nation. The 
celebrated patriot, Kosciusko, happened to be in Philadelphia at the time 



COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 41 

of their visit. He sent for the Indians to \nsit him at his lodgings, he 
being sick and unable to go abroad. He addressed the chief to contend 
manfully for their rights and never submit to a foreign yoke. At parting, 
he presented The Turtle with his favorite pistols, saying, 'These I have 
used in defense of the rights and liberties of my native land, and I charge 
you to keep and use them for the same purpose. If any man comes to 
deprive you of your rights and your country, shoot him dead with these 
pistols.' I have often handled these precious relics when in possession of the 
Indian chief. They w^ere of the finest workmanship — silver-mounted with 
gold touch-holes. After The Turtle's death, the Miamis possessed no one 
of equal abilities to occupy his place. The tribe degenerated into dissi- 
pation and lost its rank and influence in the confederacy of the North- 
west tribes. The rapid increase in our population compelled them to 
abandon their favorite home on the Wabash and seek a new home south- 
west of the Missouri, and from the accounts I have of their bad habits and 
management, they doubtless soon will become extinct; and this fate, I 
fear, awaits most of the tribes who migrated from Ohio, Indiana and 
Michigan." 

Of all the trading houses owned by the United States 
at the commencement of the War of 1812, the one at Fort 
Wayne, of which Col. John Johnston had direction, yielded 
the most profit — about ten thousand dollars in all. Colonel 
Johnston aimed at being just to the Indians and lo^^al to 
his Government — a combination of purpose not without its 
difficulties. He had trouble in procuring the proper kinds 
of supplies to issue to his pensioners, and again great diffi- 
culty in getting to the markets the furs which they brought 
in. He complained to the War Department that the mili- 
tary were always unfriendly to the trading posts and hin- 
dered them in all possible ways. The soldiers did not con- 
sider it a part of their business to furnish transportation and 
erect buildings. Once Colonel Johnston lost in Lake Erie 
twenty-three hundred dollars worth of furs through the care- 
lessness of a drunken non-commissioned officer who had charge 
of the boats. His opinion was constantly expressed that 
the Government should leave the trade open to individual 



42 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



enterprise and encourage American citizens to embark 
in it. In a letter to the Secretarj^ of War, he says: "Every 
British trader among the Indians is a pohtical partisan 
sowing seeds of distrust and disUke against the American 
Government." It was through this description of people 
that plans for the Indian Wars were made and matured. 
In another letter he advises that resident agents be placed 
in each tribe to watch their designs; that large tribes should 
be broken up into smaller agencies, preventing coalition and 
sedition; that agents should not press the Indians to sell 
their land and move West. He says: "As game becomes 
scarce, they will go of their own accord. All coercion is 
irritating. . . . Each Indian Agenc}^ should be furnished 
with several large National flags."* 

It is undoubted that had these suggestions of Colonel 
Johnston been carried out, much expense and trouble of aU 
kinds would have been saved to the Government. 

In all these experiences Rachel Robinson was her hus- 
band's right hand, aiding him in all he did and encouraging 
all his hopes. It has been written of this pioneer couple: 

"Do not let us think they had passive natures because they Uved at 
peace with the red men of the forest. It required dignity, justice and 
courage to manage the savage. Kind, brave and wise, Mrs. Johnston was 
a fit helpmate for her pioneer husband. In the garrison at Fort Wayne 
her gentle kindhness won for her the love of all, although her stern recti- 
tude led her many times to be a Uving reproof to careless associates. "t 



> Am. Archives, Vol. VII 



t History of Early Piqu 




COL. JOHN JOHNSTON (Continued) 

Removal of the family to Piqua; experi- 
ences AS Indian Factor; early settlement of 
Piqua; personality of John Johnston; Little 
Turtle; second treaty^ of Greenville; Gen- 
eral Harrison; the council of the Wyan- 
DOTTEs; John Johnston's attitude on the 
Indian question; his trip to Philadelphia; 
the Sandusky treaty of 1842. 







CHAPTER III 

COL. JOHN JOHNSTON (Concluded) 

"It is enough," he said. "Go, children; the 
anger of the Manitou is against us; the palefaces 
are masters of the earth, and the time of the red 
man has not yet come again." 

Last of the Mohicans. 

UST at the breaking out of the War of 1812, 
Col. John Johnston was appointed by President 
Madison to the office of Indian Agent for Ohio, 
and removed to Piqua. Under his control were 
the following seven powerful tribes, comprising 
m all over six thousand * Indians : Shawanoese, 
Potawatamies, Wyandottes, Senecas, Muncies, Miamis 
and Delawares. In this position he received a salary of 
twelve hundred dollars a year, besides house rent and two 
servants. 

At this time the town of Piqua consisted of an Indian 
village belonging to the tribes of Miamis and Shawanoese, the 
log fort of the United States Government and a half dozen 
log cabins of the white settlers. The whole of Miami County 
is rich in traditions of these two tribes, who beUeved that they 
had been created out of the soil of the Miami Valley. Colonel 




45 



* Some accounts say seven thousand; others estimate the number as high as ten thousand. 



46 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



Johnston's fine residence, which is still standing in Upper 
Piqua, marks the site of the original Indian village. The 
position of the ancient Fort Piqua could be traced by the 
outline of the river bastions as late as 1847, but it is now 
obliterated. Vew spots on the soil of the Buckeye State 
have more _ , history of their own than the territory sur- 
rounding the old Johnston burying-ground in Up- 

per Piqua. ^. The name "Piqua" signifies in 

the Shaw- ■ anoese tongue, "man formed 

out of the ashes," and 
the first warrior of 
the Shawanoese tribe 
was said to have 
sprung full formed 
out of the embers of 
a camp fire. Miami 
County is full of 
bloody history. Near 
the Johnston farm, 
where Swift Run 
crosses the St. Mary's 
Pike, was fought in 
1763 a severe engage- 
ment* between the English 
and French forces. Corn 
Stalk, Chief of the Shawanoese, once pointed out the exact 
spot to Colonel Johnston and told him that the battle was 
fought throughout a whole June day, from sunrise to dark. 

In 1786 another battle was fought at Fort Piqua. Com- 
posing the army commanded by Gen. George Rogers Clark, 
were about nine hundred men whom he had enrolled in 
Kentucky (among them Robert Patterson, of Kentucky), 
a tribe of Miamis and some French. f For many years after 

* Described later in I bis chapter, by Col. John Johnston. 

t This battle will be described in the chapter devoted to Colonel Patterson. 




THK PIQU.V BURYING GROUND 
.lOHNSTON TOMBS 



COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 



47 



the Johnston farm had been cleared, bullets, arrow-heads and 
bayonets were unearthed. Mrs. Julia Johnston Patterson 
wrote: "This battle put an end to the continued depreda- 
tions of the Miami Indians and, as a consequence, the fort 
became comparatively safe and settlers began to go in. 
Their log cabins were built close together to protect them 
from the Indians. The blockhouse and stockade were for 
additional safety, the former being built of heavy logs, with 
no windows and surrounded by strong pickets. The stockade 
had a huge gate which was locked with a padlock as large as a 
dinner plate. When there was alarm, the people lived in the 
blockhouse." 

The treachery and hostility of the Indians are an old story 
in the record of early settlements in America. It took men 
of great diplomacy to bring about the friendly conditions 
that eventually made the State of Ohio a safe abiding-place 
for wives and children. Colonel Johnston's own words are: 
"I arose many mornmgs with but little hope of living until 
night, and was warned repeated^ by the friendly chiefs of 
my danger." He must have been eminently qualified for his 
position, as he was held in great esteem and trust by the 
savages; for, even while hostilities were actually going on, he 
received many proofs of the fidelity of some of the friendly 
chiefs. His brother, Stephen Johnston, however, fell a vic- 
tim to the hate of the savages, being shot from ambush on 
the night of August twenty-eighth, 1812. 

The Early History of Piqua says: "Too much cannot be 
said of Colonel Johnston's influence with the Indians in 
keeping them from going over to the British and in pro- 
tecting the white settlers from their molestations." He was 
of great service in inducing the various tribes to maintain 
peaceable relations. Numerous councils were held from time 
to time, where the dusky leaders in moccasins met the pale- 
faced leaders from Washington and discussed measures of 




48 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 




INDIANS PLAYING BALL 



policy. On the one side were Tecumseh, Little Turtle, Corn 
Stalk, Black Hawk, Bright Horn and Buckingchilas; and 
on the other side Gen. Lewis Cass, Charles Hammond, 
General Meigs, United States Senator Jeremiah Monroe, 

Robert Kelly , Thomas Worth- 
ington and John John- 
ston. While the leaders 
smoked and talked in 
solemn council, the white 
boys and the young 
Indians held wrestling 
matches, foot races and 
dances, and the smoke of 
the camp fires filled the 
woods with haze. At these councils no figure was more 
prominent than that of Little Turtle, the Miami chieftain. 
As he and Colonel Johnston had much to do with one another 
in the council chamber and aroimd the camp fire, we quote a 
description of him from a contemporar}^ authority: 

" Little Turtle was one of the most celebrated Indian chiefs 
ever known to white men. His character is well remembered 
by the old residents among the Indians, and from the ac- 
counts which have l)een given of him, we find l^ut few names 
on record in the history of Indian chiefs that can be com- 
pared with his. His character will contrast advantageously 
with those of King Philip, Pontiac and Tecumseh." 

The influence which Little Turtle possessed over the In- 
dians appears to have been unboiuided. Under these cir- 
cumstances it is to be regretted that all the facts connected 
with his life and character have not been preserved. He is 
the same chief whom Volney describes as having met in 
Philadelphia in the year 1798. From the abstract left by 
this traveler of the conversations which he had with Little 
Turtle and with his interpreter, Captain Wells, we are led to 



COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 49 

form a high opinion of the sound philosophy and excellent 
judgment possessed by this chieftain. Of his military talents 
we can entertain no doubt, since it is well ascertained that to 
him is chiefly to be ascribed the success which the Indians 
met with in 1791 and 1792. 

Like King Philip, Tecumseh and others, Little Turtle is 
said to have entertained at one time the hope of forming an 
extensive coalition among the Indians, with a view to re- 
trieving the soil of which they had been so unjustly deprived; 
but meeting with difficulties which he probably foresaw 
would be invincible, he, with more acumen than any of 
those chiefs, soon discovered that the day for such measures 
had long since passed away, and that the only advisable 
course which remained for his Nation to adopt was to make 
peace with the invaders, and to endeavor to profit by their 
superior intelligence. 

In this manner he succeeded in rescuing his brethren from 
that destruction to which King Philip and Tecumseh were 
hurrying their people at the time when they themselves be- 
came victims to the wars which they had been instrumental 
in producing. Doubtless his great spirit flattered itself with 
the hope that, by an advancement in the arts of civilized 
life, the Indians would regain that importance which they 
seemed to be on the point of losing forever. His mind had 
predicted the awful consequences of the approach of white 
men. "No wonder," said he, "the whites drive us every 
year further and further before them, from the sea to the 
Mississippi. They spread like oil on a blanket; and we 
melt like snow before the sun. If things do not greatly 
change, the Red Men will disappear very shortly." How 
rapidly this prediction has been verified, let every reader of 
history and the experience of every traveler to the West 
bear witness. 

Keating, in his "Historical Miscellanies," thus estimates 



50 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

the significance of the loss of this chieftain to his own Nation 
and that of his adoption. 

"Little Turtle died in the year 1804 or 1805, and his death at that 
time is very much to be regretted, as the attachment which he had con- 
tracted for the American nation had become so great that it is presumed 
he would have used his influence, which was very great, to prevent the 
Indians of that vicinity from joining the British during the war which 
followed; and no doubt can be entertained that a peaceful pohcy, if sup- 
ported by a man of his weight, would have prevailed." 

He is buried in the vicinity of John Johnston's first home 
at Fort Wayne, on the west bank of the river. The grave 
was first marked by a small tree; now no trace of it remains. 
An archaeological part}- once sought to disinter and carry off 
for scientific purposes Little Turtle's skull, but they w^ere 
prevented by the Miami tribe of Indians. 

As a result of the councils, ten thousand Indians were col- 
lected in the spring of 1813, under Colonel Johnston's care 
at Piqua, and kept by the United States Government. This 
was intended as a peace measure and to keep them from the 
influence of the hostile tribes. It was not altogether success- 
ful, as from time to time outbreaks occurred, caused as fre- 
quently by the whites as by the Indians. Mrs. Patterson 
says: "At one time a party of friendly Indians were out on 
a hunting expedition and carried a white flag to show their 
peaceful intentions. They were attacked by Major Wolver- 
ton's company, several killed and some taken prisoner. 
They made no resistance and were sent to Colonel Johnston 
at Piqua. His sense of justice led him to make the best 
reparation in his power, and he restored the captive Indians 
to their own camp. He was unable to obtain soldiers for the 
captives, so he took his life in his own hands and went alone 
on this perilous trip among savages who were justifiably in- 
censed against the whites. He restored his charges to their 
friends, saluted the chieftain, remounted his horse and rode 



COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 



51 




home, thirty miles, alone, un 
harmed." This favor, we 
learn, was returned in time 
by Logan, the famous 
Mingo chief, who has 
been called 
"the best 
specimen of 
humanity 
ever met 
with, either 
white, red 
or black."* 
When lives 
were in 
danger 
from an 
attack 
on Fort 
Wayne, 

after the surrender of Detroit had left the frontier unpro- 
tected, Colonel Johnston requested that the women and 
children of that place be brought to Piqua for safety. 
Logan answered the demand with a company of volunteer 
warriors who acted as escort and piloted his white charges 
safely through a country swarming with foes. Logan is de- 
scribed as " a man of splendid appearance, over six feet high, 
straight as a spear-shaft, with a countenance as open as it 
was brave and manly." f 

Colonel Johnston had at least two qualities in common 
with George Washington: executive ability and method in 
detail. His papers, prepared for the inspection of the Gov- 
ernment, show exquisite care and neatness. All accounts of 



THE OLD SPRING HOUSE AT THE PIQUA FARM 



' Am. Pioneer, Vol.1, p. 189. t Lcjudon's Indi: 



52 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

provisions issued to the Indians, of presents made to them 
and of articles purchased for the Indian Department, are 
written in a round, legible hand, and can be verified to the 
smallest item. 

In appearance Colonel Johnston is described as fine-look- 
ing — "six feet and more in height, very erect in his bearing, 
and he had a blond complexion inclined to be ruddy." Good 
digestion was a quality upon which he prided himself, and 
he looked down upon people of capricious appetites. He 
was wont to say that he "had no patience with people 
who couldn't eat anything." Dignified and affable, he was 
extremely fond of children, especially in the latter part of 
his life, when he would get them all about him and tell 
them stories of the Indians. Henry Howe, in his valuable 
work, "The History of Ohio," gives us this interesting pen 
picture : 

" I remember as if yesterday my first interview with Col. John John- 
ston at Upper Piqua. He was a tall, dignified man, of the blond type, 
then seventy-one j-ears of age. He was plainly clad, but impressive, 
seeming as one born to command. It was a warm Summer day, and he 
took me down to his spring and gave me a drink of pure, cold water, the 
quality of which he praised with the air of a prince. No man had the 
power and influence with the Western Indians that he possessed, and it 
arose from his weight of character and his high sense of justice. 
He was, indeed, a sterling man in every way, and Ohio should not forget 
him." 

At the second treaty of Greenville, in 1814, Colonel 
Johnston was an early comer. He had pitched his tent on an 
elevated spot near the creek and erected a flagstaff with the 
flag flying. General Harrison, upon his arrival, begged that 
Colonel Johnston would permit the location of the flag to be 
changed and the staff erected upon the spot where General 
Wayne's quarters had been in 1795. He said that the ground 
was consecrated to him by many endearing recollections which 
would never be effaced from his memor}-, and he wanted the 



COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 53 

details of the great treaty to conform as nearly as possible 
to the one which had preceded it by nineteen years. Colonel 
Johnston gladly assented and the flag was changed. 

General Harrison was often a welcome visitor at Colonel 
Johnston's home in Piqua, both while he lived in the log 
cabin within the fort, and after he built his commodious 
farm house at Upper Piqua. During the War of 1812, 
General Harrison had his headquarters at Piqua and 
occasionally sojourned with his staff at Colonel John- 
ston's log cabin. The enter- 
tainment at this time is 
described by the host 
himself : 

" There was but one 
fire-place in the house, a 
chimney of 'cat and clay' 
(a phrase well known 
to backwoodsmen), and 
in cold weather the fam- 
ily and guests made quite 
a circle. The women in 

,. r^ HOMESTEAIl (IF Cell,. JOHN ,li 1 11 N STI IN 

cookmg supper were often ^^ ^^^^^^ p^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ ^ 

compelled to step over the few of his descendants 

feet of the General and his aides. 

And at bed-time, such a backwoods scene! The floor would be covered 
with blankets, cloaks, buffalo robes, and such articles as travellers usually 
carry with them for the purpose of camping out. No one ever looked for 
a bed in those times. It was not unusual for twenty or thirty persons 
to lodge with us for a night. Indians frequently were of the number. 
Missionaries of all denominations, both Cathohc and Protestants, were 
alike welcome. We lived on the extreme verge of the frontier, and travel- 
lers could nowhere else find accommodations. We obeyed to the letter 
the injunction of the Apostle given to hospitality. I was sometimes cen- 
sured by my Protestant friends for entertaining Catholic priests. These 
criticisms proceeded from an unhappy spirit and chiefly resulted from 
ignorance. It produced no difference with myself or that excellent woman 
who shared so largely in all my labors growing out of those troublesome 




54 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

times. Ministers of Jesus Christ, of whatever denomination, found the 
latch-string of our cabin door hanging out." 

In 1818, on the death of the great chief of the Wyandottes, 
Colonel Johnston attended a general council of all the tribes 
of Ohio, the Dela wares of Indiana, and the Senecas of New 
York, at Upper Sandusky. Concerning this council he wrote: 

" I found on arriving at the place a very large attendance, and among 
the chiefs was the noted leader and orator, ' Red Jacket,' from Buffalo. 
The first business done, the speaker of the Nation deUvered an oration on 
the character of the dead chief. Then followed what might be called a 
'monody' — a ceremony of mourning and lamentation. The seats were 
arranged from end to end of the large council house, and the head men 
and the aged took their seats facing each other. Stooping down, their 
heads almost touched. In that position they remained several hours. 
Deep, heavy and long-continued groans would commence at one end of 
the row of mourners and were passed around until all had responded. 
This was repeated at intervals of a few minutes. The Indians were all 
washed and had no paint or decorations of any kind upon their persons, 
their countenances and general deportment denoting deepest mourning. 
I had never witnessed anything of the kind before and was told that 
this ceremony was not performed but at the death of some great man. 

" After the period of mourning and lamentations was over, the Indians 
proceeded to business. There were present the Wyandottes, the Senecas, 
the Delawares, the Shawanoese, the Ottawas and the Mohawks. It was 
evident in the course of discussion that the presence of myself and some 
white men with me was not acceptable to some of the parties, and allusions 
were made so direct to myself that I was constrained to notice them by 
saying that I came there as the guest of the Wyandottes and by their 
special invitation; that as an agent of the United States I had a right 
to be there or anywhere else in the Indian country, and that if any insult 
was offered to myself or my people, it would be resented and punished. 
Red Jacket was the principal speaker, and was intemperate and personal 
in his remarks. The different parties accused each other of being fore- 
most in selling lands to the United States. The discussion was long- 
continued, calling out some of the ablest speakers, and was distinguished 
for ability, cutting sarcasm and research, going far back into the history 
of the natives, their wars, alliances, negotiations, migrations, etc. I had 
attended many councils, treaties and gatherings of the Indians, but never 



COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 



55 



in my life did I witness such an outpouring of native oratory and elo- 
quence, of severe rebuke and taunting personal reproaches. The council 
broke up late in great confusion and in the worst possible feeling. . . . 
The next day appeared to be one of unusual anxiety and despondency 
among the Indians. They could be seen in groups everywhere within 
the council house in deep consultation. They had acted foolishly and 
were sorry, but the question was. Who would present the oUve branch? 
The council convened late and was very full. Silence prevailed for a 
long time. At last the ancient chief of the Shawanoese, Black Hoof, 
arose — a man of great influence and a celebrated orator. He told the 
assembly they had acted like children and not men, and that he and his 
people were sorry for the words that had been spoken. He came into 
the council at the unanimous desire of his people present to take back 
those foolish words. At this, he handed around strips of wampum, which 
was received by all with the greatest joj'. Several of the principal chiefs 
deUvered speeches to the same effect, handing around wampum in turn. 
In this manner the whole difficulty of the preceding day was settled and, 
to all appearances, forgotten. 

"The Indians are very courteous and civil to each other, and it is a 
rare thing to see their assemblies disturbed. bv 
contentions 
or ill-timed 
remarks. I 
never wit- 
nessed it ex- 
cept on the 
occasion here 
alluded to, 
and it is more 
than prob- 
able that the 
presence of 
myself and 
the other 
white men 
contributed 
toward the un- 
pleasant occurrence. 

I could not help but admire entrance h.\ll of the Johnston 

the genuine philosophy and home.stead, upper piqua 




56 COiN'CERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

good sense displayed by men whom we call 'savages,' in the transaction 
of their public business. How much we might profit in the halls of our 
legislatures by occasionally taking for our example the proceedings of the 
great Indian council at Sandusky."* 

We see in this story of Colonel Johnston's the quality that 
made him so successful an Indian agent. It was that sense 
of justice which in some men can be extended only to people 
of their own color. We find throughout the record of Colonel 
Johnston's life that he applied to the Indians that same 
Golden Rule which he applied to his own friends and asso- 
ciates. 

The principles of the Quakers, such as they have always 
been known, were those which Colonel Johnston admired and 
used in his relations with his humbler friends. The just and 
humane government of the Quakers in Pennsylvania toward 
the primitive Indians had made them repose great confidence 
in persons of that Society. Colonel Johnston once wrote: 
" If I were in the prime of my years and once more placed 
in the management of the Indians, I would take for my 
assistants in the service none but Quakers; and with such 
just men in the administration of the Government, I would 
not need soldiers to keep the Indians in subjection. See how 
the Cherokees have been distracted with interminable and 
bloody battles by reason of Schermerhorn's treaty, made with 
about one-tenth of the Nations, and, with the knowledge of 
this fact, ratified by the Senate and President of the United 
States. Already some of the best men in the nation have 
been assassinated in consequence, Lieutenant Johnston, my 
own son, among them. Hunting up the murderers and trying 
to restore peace is impracticable. The cause lies too deep. 
Too much blood already shed; and all this by the unjust 
acts of the general Government in wresting their 
country from them under the silly mockery of a 




^Cist's Miscellany, Cincinnati. 1846. 



• COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 57 

treaty made with a handful of irresponsible persons. Now in 
most of the contentions for the acquisition of territory to a 
nation ah-eady too large for its good, no voice is raised in 
Congress to secure to the natives a perpetual inheritance in 
the soil. They are still to be creatures of a temporizing 
policy; to be backed out of the way as our race approaches 
them until, as Black Hoof once remarked to me in reference 
to this matter — 'We will go anywhere you please, if you 
will afterward let vis alone ; but we know from past experience 
A'OU will keep driving us back until we reach the sea on the 
other side of the Rocky Mountains, and then we must jump 
off' — meaning that at last there would be no country or 
home left for the Indians. Does not our past and present 
policy towards this unhappy race but too clearly tend to 
confirm this apprehension?" 

In the Ohio Archives for 1845 we find this communication 
addressed by Col. John Johnston to the War Department: 

" There is not an acre of land owned or occupied by an Indian in Ohio. 
Fifty-one years ago they owned the whole territory. Does not the voice 
of humanity cry aloud to the Congress of the United States to give them 
a country and a home in perpetuity and a government adapted to their 
condition? Will impartial history excuse this people and their Govern- 
ment if they permit the destruction of the primitive race without one 
adequate efTort to save them?" 

These words, written so early in the century, are interest- 
ing in the light of later history. Could Colonel Johnston have 
looked forward half a hundred years he would have found 
no reason to change in the matter of a single syllable his 
estimate of the dealings of the United States with their 
Indian wards. 

Twenty-three years afterwards, the official report of the 
commission appointed by President Grant to look into Indian 
affairs read as follows: "The history of the Government con- 
nection with the Indian is a shameful record of broken treaties 




58 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



and unfulfilled promises." And in 1880, Helen Hunt, in her 
"Century of Dishonor," writes: "A full history of the wrongs 
the Indians have suffered at the hands of the authorities, 
military and civil, would take years to write and volumes to 
liold. ... So long as there remains on our frontier one 
square mile of land occupied by a weak and helpless owner, 
there will be a strong and unscrupulous frontiersman ready 
to seize it, and an unscrupulous politician who can be hired 
for a vote or money to back him."* 

So it may be seen that John Johnston was a prophet 
in both senses of the word: he saw existing conditions with 
unerring vision and foretold the future by his knowledge 
of the past. 

Our chief source of information concerning the personal 
and domestic side of John Johnston's life is his daughter, 
Mrs. Julia Johnston Patterson, who gives, in her autobio- 
graphical narrative, dated February second, 1895, many 
incidents in her father's history. 

"At one time," she says, "when forty-five years of age, John Johnston 
had his portrait painted in Philadelphia and sent it home in advance. 
When it was unpacked, some Indians who were present were frightened 
nearly into convulsions at the sight. They recognized it immediately, but 
never having seen anything of the kind, supposed it was a ghost, and that 
their friend, Colonel Johnston, had gone to the Happy Hunting Land." 

"The Friends' Society had a Mission at Wapakoneta, and Colonel 
Johnston was in the habit of going there to treat with the Indians. He 
had been there, having had a council, and in returning home was over- 
taken by night on the banks of the Laramie. He was on horseback, and 
when he got to the river he found a pack of wolves in pursuit of him. He 
knew there was nothing to do but to ride into the river. He sat on horse- 
back in the middle of the river all night. At dayhght he started home, 
three miles further on, and arrived there safely." 

" Seven wliite men, one of them a Methodist, entered an Indian village 

* For the opposing view of this question, see Theodore Roosevelt's " Winning of the West." 
Ill, Vol. p. 43. 



COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 59 

where there were none but defenseless people, no warriors at all, and 
killed many of them in cold blood. Colonel Johnston had the men cap- 
tured and hanged, knowing that they could not live peaceably after that, 
if the men were not punished. The Indians were compelled to witness 
against the men and afterwards stay and see them hanged, much against 
their will. Colonel Johnston thought, of course, that the friends of the 
men who had been executed would try to do him some injury, so he started 
home at night on horseback. There was no road at all, and the only way 
he managed to get through the woods in the dark was by following the 
elephant's tracks. There had been a show in Greenville (a show in those 
days consisted of an elephant, a monkey and two men) and they were 
going to Piqua. He arrived home at dayHght perfectly safe, and no more 
was said about it." 

"Once a squaw went into a dry goods store in Piqua to trade some 
furs that she had. She asked the store-keeper if he had any needles. 
He said he had one. She asked what he would take for it, and he said 
one dollar. She thought that was too much, but he told her that the 
man who made needles was dead and that was the last one he had ; so 
the squaw took it. This man must have made thousands of dollars off 
of the Indians in this way. He would get their furs for almost nothing 
and sell them for one-third more than they were really worth." 

During this period of Colonel Johnston's life he went 
several times to Philadelphia, and his personal reminiscences 
contain many references to the political history of the day: 

"Among the felicities of my own long life," he said, "is that of having 
often beheld the person of George Washington. I heard him dehver his 
last speech to both Houses of Congress in December, 1796; it being his 
practice always to address the national legislature in person. His suc- 
cessor in the Presidency, John Adams, pursued the same course. On 
the advent of Mr. Jefferson the custom ceased, and ever since. Messages in 
-writing have taken the place of speeches. Washington died in December, 
1799, and in the winter of that year and 1800, the President and Congress 
ordered funeral honors to be celebrated in his memory. It fell to my lot, 
as secretary of Washington Masonic Lodge, No. fifty-nine, to take part in 
the ceremonies. Col. Richard Henry Lee, of the Revolution, then a mem- 
ber of Congress from Virginia, was the appointed orator for the occasion. 
Washington throughout life was a member of the Fredericksburg Lodge, 
Virginia, No. four, and was reported in its proceedings among the deaths 



60 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

of its members in the \'ear 1799. A large number of the distinguished 
men of the Revolution were members of the Masonic Order, Washington 
being the chief. He was admitted to the rights and privileges of Free- 
masonry in Fredericksburg Lodge, No. four, November fourth, 1752, and 
admitted to the high order of the craft in the same lodge, August fourth, 
1753. He was then in command of the Virginia troops raised for the de- 
fense of the frontier against the Indians and their French allies." . 

It is somewhat interesting to contrast the salaries of pub- 
lic servants during the administration of AVashington, as we 
find them recorded in Colonel Johnston's diary, ^vith those of 
the present day: "Chief Justice of the United States, four 
thousand dollars per annum ; Associates, three thousand five 
hundred dollars each; United States Judge of Maine, one 
thousand dollars; Vermont, eight hundred dollars; New 
York, fifteen hundred dollars; Attorney General of the 
United States, one thousand nine hundred dollars; Mem- 
bers of both Houses of Congress, six dollars per day each, 
and travelling expenses; Secretary of the Treasury, two 
thousand six hundred dollars per annum; Clerks, from five 
hundred dollars to eight hundred dollars; Secretary of State, 
three thousand dollars; Secretary of War, three thousand 
dollars; Governor of the Northwest Territory, two thousand 
dollars; Chaplains of both Houses of Congress, two hun- 
dred and fifty dollars each; Sergeant-at-Arms, seven hun- 
dred and fifty dollars per annum ; Private Soldiers, three 
doUai's per month — subsistence, clothing and medical atten- 
tion free. It is needless to remark that the offices were 
never better filled than in the days of Washington's Presi- 
dency. The best talents of the countr}- were called into 
requisition and the incumbents were content with their com- 
pensation. Flour was sold in Philadelphia in 1796 at six- 
teen dollars per barrel, and all the necessaries of life were 
much higher than at the present day." 

Colonel Johnston continued to hold his position as Indian 
agent at Piqua for twenty years, using his great influence 



COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 

always for good, "and remaining a friend, 
in the best sense of the word, to the 
Ohio Indians. But Civil Service did ^ ■^'^ 
not hold in those days. Andrew 
Jackson, that uncompromising 
Democrat, became President in 
1829, and Johnston, being ,, "- 
on the Whig side of the ^, 
fence, found his political 
friends arrayed against him. 
After two years of party oppo- 
sition he was removed, and a 
man by the name of Robb, 
living in Columbus, appointed 
in his place. 

Later in life Colonel John- 
ston described himself as one who 
had "suffered political martyrdom thrice for 
inflexible adherence to Whig principles: once b}^ the 
tyrant Jackson, once by the nondescript Tyler, and 
once by the Democratic legislature of Ohio." * 

President Jackson wrote Colonel Johnston a personal 
letter on this occasion, in which he expressed his regret that 
outside pressure and political necessity had obliged him to 
depose from office a public servant upon whose performance 
of duty there had never been a shadow of blame. We may 
assume that this explanation was rated at its just value by 
the recipient. The situation was never thoroughly appre- 
ciated b)^ the Indians, who continued to look to Colonel John- 
ston for supplies, advice and help of various kinds ; and these 
claims he responded to by giving from his own private finances 
for a period of two years. 

Upon the election of General Harrison in 1840, John 

daguerreotype in the possession of Mrs. Hebe Johnst'in 




♦Written on the back of his 
Craig, of New Yorlc. 



62 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

Johnston was appointed agent to the Seneca Indians and was 
stationed at Upper Sandusky, Ohio. It was at this place 
that the valuable treaty between the United States and the 
Senecas was negotiated and completed by him, by which the 
Senecas moved westward over the Mississippi River to land 
purchased from the Shawanoese Nation, leaving the State of 
OMo forever free to the white race and to civihzation. This 
treaty was completed in 1842* at Upper Sandusky, where the 
several tribes were assembled. Colonel Johnston's own ac- 
count says: 

"The Indians who inhabited the soil of Ohio in my time were the 
Wyandottes on the Sandusky River and its tributaries; the Ottawas, 
about Maumee Bay and up the river about Defiance and along Blanch- 
ard's Fork; the Shawanoese at Wapakoneta, Hog Creek and at Lewistown. 
at the source of the Miami and the Ohio. The Senecas resided at Seneca- 
town, near Lower Sandusky; a small band of the same at Lewistown, under 
the Chief Methomas, or Civil John. A small band of the Delawares re- 
sided about seven miles south of Upper Sandusky, under the chief, Cap- 
tain Pipe — the whole numbering about three thousand souLs, and, agree- 
able to our usual estimate of Indian population, producing five to six 
hundred fighting men. They have all left for the far West, it having 
fallen to my lot to negotiate a treaty of cession and emigration with the 
last of the natives, the Wyandottes, in 1842. 

" The Indians do not now own a foot of land on the soil of Ohio, nor 
is one of their race to be found residing within its limits. Sixty-five years 
ago, when I first came to the Northwest Territory, they were the sole 
occupants of the country. A few more years and there will not be one 
of them left to tell that they ever existed. In the emphatic, eloquent 
and affecting language of Logan, the celebrated Mingo chief, to Lord 
Dunmore — ' The white man has killed all my relatives, and now there is 
none to mourn for Logan; no, not one. There runs not a drop of my 
blood in the veins of any living creature.' That speech is in full in Jeffer- 
son's 'Notes on Virginia.' Its authenticity has been questioned on both 
sides of the Atlantic on account of its pathos and sublime eloquence, but 
I can affirm every word and sentence of it to be true. Col. John 
Gibson of the Revolutionary Army, and afterwards Secretary of the 



COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 63 

Indian Territory, had been in early life a trader among the Indians and 
thoroughly acquainted with their language. He acted as interpreter to 
Lord Dunmore, and most solemnly affirmed in my hearing that the speech 
in question was literally and substantially true as published." 

There is sadness in the thought of the original occupants 
of this vast country being driA' en, step by step, toward the 
setting sun until they became a dream and a name. These 
Unes were written at the time of our history by a Wyan- 
dotte chieftain, and were translated into English. They 
merit quotation because of their pathos and their anthropo- 
logical interest: 

" Adieu to the graves where my fathers now rest; 
For I must be going afar to the West. 

I've sold my possessions; my heart fills with woe 

To think I must leave them. Alas! must I go? 
Farewell, ye tall oaks, in whose pleasant green shade 
I sported in childhood, in innocence played; 

My dog and my hatchet, my arrow and bow. 

Are still in remembrance. Alas! must I go? 

"Adieu, ye loved scenes, which bind me like chains; 
Where on my gray ponj^ I pranced o'er the plains. 

The deer and the turkey I tracked in the snow, 

But now must I leave all. Alas! must I go? 
Sandusky, Tymocthee, and all their broad streams — 
I ne'er more shall see you, except in my dreams." 

An account of the Sandusky treaty is also to be found 
in Dickens's "American Notes." The great novelist was 
traveling in 1842 by stage coach through Columbus and 
Tiffin from Cincinnati to Lake Erie, on his way to visit 
Niagara Falls. He writes: 

"At length between ten and eleven o'clock at night, a few feeble 
lights appeared in the distance, and Upper Sandusky, an Indian village 
where we were to stay until morning, lay before us. . . . It is a set- 
tlement of the Wyandotte Indians who inhabit this place. Among the 
company at breakfast was a mild old gentleman [Colonel Johnston] who^--'-- 



64 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

had been for many years employed by the United States Government in 
conducting negotiations with the Indians, and who had just concluded a 
treaty with these people by which they bound themselves, in considera- 
tion of a certain annual sum, to remove next year to some land pro- 
vided for them west of the Mississippi and a little way beyond St. 
Louis. He gave me a moving account of their strong attachment to the 
familiar scenes of their infancy, and in particular to the burial places of 
their kindred, and of their great reluctance to leave them. He had 
witnessed many such removals, and always with pain, though he knew 
that they departed for their own good. The question whether this tribe 
should go or stay had been discussed among them a day or two before, 
in a hut erected for the purpose, the logs of which still lay upon the ground 
before the inn. When the speaking was done, the ayes and noes were 
ranged on opposite sides, and every male adult voted in his turn. The 
moment the result was known, the minority (a large one) cheerfully 
yielded to the rest and withdrew all kind of opposition. We met some 
of these poor Indians afterwards, riding on shaggy ponies. They were 
so like the meaner sort of gypsies that if I could have seen any of them 
in England I should have concluded, as a matter of course, that they 
belonged to that wandering and restless people." 

A biographical encyclopedia of Ohio thus characterizes 
this service of Colonel Johnston to his Government: 

" In the consununation of this important and responsible matter, he 
completed the entire arrangement so faithfully as to merit the commen- 
dation not only of our Government, but that of the Red Men who were 
about to leave their hunting grounds to which they had become ardently 
attached." 

Pending the Presidential election of 1840, General Harri- 
son was occasionally a visitor at the homestead in Upper Piqua. 
He was there only a few months prior to the death of Mrs. 
Johnston. She had enjoyed his acquaintance for almost forty 
years and took a deep interest in all that concerned his happi- 
ness and famih'. Being herself a devoted Christian, she cher- 
ished the sincere desire to see all others in possession of those 
hopes which sustained her through a life spent under circum- 
stances of more than ordinary trial. She used her oppor- 
tunities to converse with the General on the subject of relig- 




. COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 65 

ion, urging upon him that as he was getting old it was time 
he should turn his attention to the close of his earthly career 
and seek his peace with God. He replied that he had long 
been convinced of his duty to make public profession of 
Christianity, but that the people of the United States had 
made him a candidate for the Presidency, and that if he were 
then to unite himself with the church it would be ascribed 
to a desire for popularity; would do the cause of religion a 
serious injury, and make himself the subject of uncharitable 
remarks in the political journals. "But," he added to Mrs. 
Johnston, "as soon as this contest for the Presidency is over, 
let it be adverse or prosperous to myself, it is my purpose, if 
my life is spared, to make a public profession of religion 
immediately after the inauguration." And it is well known 
that the President had an understanding with the Rev. 
Dr. Hawley, of St. John's Church in Washington, to become 
a member of that church on Easter Sunday, April, 1841. 
This fact was stated at the funeral service. 

Mrs. Patterson writes: "Late in March, 1841, my father, 
being then in Washington, called at the President's house on 
Sunday evening when the whole house was filled with visit- 
ors. This pained him, because he knew so well the character 
and conscientiousness of his friend. General Harrison. He 
spoke of it to the President and told him that he was sorry 
to see the house resorted to by such a multitude on the 
Sabbath day, and that he feared these matters would get 
into the newspapers and injure his character. General 
Harrison replied that he regretted that persons would visit 
him on that day; that the city was full of people who wanted 
to see him, but as soon as the crowd dispersed and went 
home, his house in the future would be closed against all 
visitors on Sunday." 

Colonel Johnston was a member of the Harrisburg 
Convention which had so largely assisted in nominating 



66 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



General Harrison for the Presidency. He went from Piqua 
to Harrisburg on horseback, stopping at taverns frequented 
by wagoners, farmers, mechanics and working men. Thus 
he had access to the rank and file of the political army. 
He could tell them more about "Old Tipp" (as they called 
General Harrison) than they had ever heard before. He 
spoke many times to what were for those days large audi- 
ences. Sometimes the bar-room of the tavern could not 

contain the people. 
" Thousands would 
be pressing in," said 
he, " because I could 
tell them so many 
good things about 
'Old Tipp.'" The 
payment of Colonel 
Johnston's tavern 
bills was sometimes 
' ' refused by the land- 

lords, because he 
was a friend of General 
Harrison. 

The last time General 
Harrison was a guest of 
the Johnstons was in the 
summer of 1840. Colonel 
Johnston met him at the stage and brought him home that 
he might be quiet in comfortable quarters, of which he stood 
greatly in need after the fatigue of the campaign. The Gen- 
eral had ridden fifty miles that same day and delivered three 
speeches. He was surrounded b}^ an immense crowd, so that 
it was some time before he could be reached. Colonel John- 
ston ordered supper, and afterwards General Harrison spoke 
an hour on the stand. At the end of that time Colonel 




BACK OF .TOHXSTdX HOMr:STEAD 



COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 67 

Johnston carried his guest off through the crowd to his 
home in the country. After supper, tliey sat up late to 
tallv over old times. General Harrison wanted an account 
of Colonel Johnston's life and fortunes since they had last 
met. The reply was, "I have kept out of debt and made 
the two ends of the year meet." General Harrison replied 
that he could not do so well as that, and asked his friend 
why he did not speculate and make a fortune, as other men 
did in the service. "I told him," says Colonel Johnston, 
"that he had always enjoined upon his subordinates that 
we should never apply public money to private purposes, 
and since he had always enforced this rule, both by precept 
and example, if there was any one to blame for my not 
making a fortune, it was General Harrison himself." He 
laughed at the rejoinder. 

Some years later than the incident just related. Colonel 
Johnston, while he was at Harrodsb\irg Springs, Ky., 
received an invitation from the Governor to go to Frank- 
fort and act as one of the pall-bearers at the reinterment 
of the remains of Daniel Boone and his wife, recently re- 
moved from the State of Missouri by a committee sent from 
Kentucky for the purpose. The bodies had remained in 
the soil of Missouri for nearly thirty years, and it was after 
much hesitancy on the part of the person on whose planta- 
tion they were interred, that he consented to their removal. 
The small bones of both had moldered into dust. They 
were enclosed in separate boxes, and at Frankfort transferred 
to two plain, handsome caskets and then committed to their 
last resting place in the pubUc cemetery at Frankfort, which 
occupies a high and beautiful knoll over the Kentucky River. 
Colonel Johnston says: ''It was accorded to myself to carry 
Boone's coffin from the hearse to the grave. It indicated 
no weight but that of the boards of which it was made." 
The funeral was attended by an immense concourse of per- 



68 CONCERNIXC; THE FOHFIFATHERS 

sons from all parts of the State and the adjacent parts of 
Ohio. The military, Free Masons and Odd Fellows were 
out in their appropriate uniforms in large numljers. The 
whole attendance was estimated at twent3'-five thousand. 
The Hon. John J. Crittenden was orator, and the 
Methodist Bishop Soule the chaplain of the occasion. Cap- 
tain Johnston, the Colonel's eldest son, was then serving in 
the western army in company with Captain Boone, son of 
Daniel Boone. Colonel Johnston sent his son a copy of the 
Frankfort Commonweolth containing an account of the 
funeral ceremonies. Upon reading this, Captain Boone re- 
marked that if one-half of the money spent at his father's 
last interment had been contributed to his support when 
living, it would have done him some good. 

Many scattered reminiscences of Colonel Johnston, bear- 
ing upon people he knew and men and measures he had to 
do with, are published in Howe's Historical Collections of 
Ohio, and reproduced in these pages to round out the story 
of his life. 

Colonel Johnston says:* 

" Logan left a dying request to myself, that his two sons should be 
sent to Kentucky, and there educated and brought up under the care 
of Major Hardin. As soon as peace and tranquillity was restored among 
the Indians, I made application to the chiefs to fulfill the wish of their 
dead friend to deliver up the boys, that I might have them conveyed 
to Frankfort, the residence of Major Hardin. The chiefs were em- 
barrassed, and manifested an unwiUingness to comply, and in this they 
were warmly supported by the mother of the children. On no account 
would they consent to send them so far away as Kentucky, but agreed 
that I should take and have them schooled at Piqua ; it being the best 
that I could do, in compliance with the dying words of I.ogan, they were 
brought in. I had them put to school and boarded in a religious, respect- 
able family. The mother of the boys, who was a bad woman, thwarted 
all my plans for their improvement, frequently taking them off for weeks, 

* Reprint from Howe's Historical Collections of Ohio. 



COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 69 

giving them bad advice, and even, on one or two occasions, brought 
whiskey to the school-house and made them drunk. In this way she 
continued to annoy me, and finally took them altogether to raise with 
herself among the Shawanoese, at Wapaghkonetta. I made several 
other attempts, during my connection with the Indians, to educate 
and train up to civilized life many of their youth, without any encourag- 
ing results — all of them proved failures. The children of Logan, with 
their mother, emigrated to the west twenty years ago, and have there 
become some of the wildest of their race." 

"Antoine Lasselle I well knew: this man, a Canadian, was taken 
prisoner at Wayne's battle, painted, dressed and disguised as an Indian. 
He was tried by court-martial, at Roche de Boeuf, and sentenced to be 
hung. A gallows was erected and the execution ordered, when Col. 
John F. Hamtranck — a native of Canada, who joined the American 
standard under Montgomery, in the Revolutionary war, and was, in 
1794, colonel of the first regiment of infantry, under Wayne — interposed 
and begged the life of the prisoner. General Wayne afterward granted 
to Lasselle license to trade at Fort Wayne, and he was there as such 
many years during my agency at the post. He was a man of wit and 
drollery, and would often clasp his neck with both hands, to show how 
near he had been to hanging by order of Mad Anthony." 

"M'Kee and Elliott were Pennsylvanians, and the latter, I think, 
of Irish birth. They resided at the commencement of the Revolution- 
ary war in Path Valley, Pa. A brother and a brother-in-law of mine 
Hved in the same neighborhood: I therefore have undoubted authority 
for the facts. A number of tories resided in the township, M'Kee and 
Elliott being leaders. A large proportion of the inhabitants being whigs, 
the place became too warm to hold them. They fled to the enemy, and 
leagued with the Shawanoese Indians in committing depredations on the 
frontier settlers. Both of these incendiaries had Indian wives and chil- 
dren, and finally their influence became so great among the savages 
that they were appointed agents for Indian affairs by the British govern- 
ment, and continued as such until their death. Matthew Elliott was 
an uncle, by his father's side, to the late Commodore ElUott, and had a 
son killed in the late war, by the Indians under Logan. On the death 
of M'Kee, his son, a half-breed, was a deputy agent in Upper Canada. 
He was a splendid looking man, and married an accomplished white 



I" Reprint from Howe's Historical Collections of Ohio. 



70 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



lady. He had too much of the Indian nature, and the niarriapie turned 
out somewhat unhappily." 

Howe says: 

"In the French war, which ended with the peace of 1763, a bloody 
battle was fought on the present farm of Colonel Johnston, at Upper 
Piqua. At that time, the Miamis had their towns here, which are marked 
on ancient maps, 'Tewightewee towns.' The Miamis, Wyandots, 
Ottawas, and other northern tribes adhered to the French, made a 
stand here, and fortified — the Canadian traders and French assisting. 







THE OLD IiARX AT Til K PIQUA IIOME.^TEAD 

The Delawares, Shawanoese, Munseys, part of the Senecas residing in 
Pennsylvania, Cherokees, Catawbas, etc., adhering to the English interest, 
with the English traders attacked the French and Indians. The siege 
continued for more than a week; the fort stood out, and could not be 
taken. Many were slain, the assailants suffering most severely. The 
besieged lost a number, and all their exposed property was burnt and 
destroyed. The Shawanoese chief. Black Hoof, one of the besiegers, in- 
formed Colonel Johnston that the ground around was strewed with 
bullets, so that baskets full could have been gatlKM-ed. 



^Keprint from lln 



^ liisliiiical Collects 



COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 



71 



" Soon after this contest, the Miamis and their allies left this part 
of the country, and retired to the Miami of the Lake, at and near Fort 
Wayne, and never returned. The Shawanoese took their place, and 
gave names to towns in this vicinity. Colonel Johnston's place, 'and 
the now large and flourishing town of Piqua, was called Chillicothe, after 
the tribe of that name; the site of his farm, after the Piqua tribe.'" 

"Fort Piqua, erected prior to the settlement of the country, stood 
at Upper Piqua, on the west bank of the river. It was designed as a 
place of deposit for stores for the army of Wayne. The portage from 
here to Fort Laramie, fourteen miles, thence to St. Mary's, twelve miles, 
was all the land carriage from the Ohio to Lake Erie. Loaded boats fre- 
quently ascended to Fort Laramie, the loading taken out and hauled 
to St. Mary's; the boats also moved across on wheels, again loaded, and 
launched for Fort Wayne, Defiance and the lake. Sometimes, in very 
high water, loaded boats from the Ohio approached within six miles 
of St. Mary's. Before the settlement of the country, a large proportion 
of the army supphes were conveyed up this river. When mill dams 
were erected, the navigation was destroyed, and boating ceased. 

"In 1794, Capt. J. N. Vischer, the last commandant of Fort Piqua, 
was stationed here. During that year, two freighted boats, guarded 
by an officer and twenty-three men, were attacked by the Indians near the 
fort, and the men all massacred. Captain Vischer heard the firing, but 
from the weakness of his command, could render no assistance. The plan 
of the Indians doubtless was, to make the attack in hearing of the fort, 
and thereby induce them to sally out in aid of their countrymen, defeat all, 
and take the foi't. The commander was a discreet officer, and aware of 
the subtleness of the enemy, had 
the firmness to save the fort. LJEl/l^^. 

" The family of Colonel Johnston 
settled at Upper Piqua in 1811, the pre- 
vious eleven years having been spent at 
Fort Wayne. Years after the destruction 
of the boats and party on the river, frag 
onets, and other remains of that disaster, were found at low water, 
embedded in the sand. The track of the pickets, the form of the 
river bastion, the foundation of chimneys in the block-houses, still 
mark the site of Fort Piqua. The plow has levelled the graves of the 
brave men — for many sleep here — who fell in the service. At this place. 
Fort Laramie, St. Mary's, and Fort Wayne, large numbers of the regulars 

*Keprint from Huwe's Historical Collectious of Ohio. 



"■S^^^J;^^^ 




ments of muskets, bay- 



72 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



and militia volunteers were buried, in the wars of Wayne, as well as in the 
last war. 

" In the late war, the far greater number of Indians who remained 
friendly, and claimed and received protection from the United States, 
were placed under the care of Colonel Johnston, at Piqua. These were 
the Shawanoese, Delawares, Wyandots in part, Ottawas in 
part, part of the Senecas, all the Munseys, and Mohicans; 
a small number remained at Zanesfield, and some at Upper 
-- _ Sandusky, under Maj. B. F. Stickney, now of Toledo. 
The number here amounted, at one period, to six 
thousand, and were doubtless the best protection to 
the frontier. With a view of detaching the Indians 
here from the American interest, and taking them off 
to the enemy, and knowing that so long as Colonel 
Johnston lived this could not be accomplished, several 
plots were contrived to assassinate him. His life was 
in utmost danger. He arose many mornings with but 
little hope of living until night, and the friendly chiefs 
often warned him of his danger; but he was planted 
at the post; duty, honor, and the safety of the fron- 
tier forbade his abandoning it. His faithful wife staid by 
him; the rest of his family, papers and valuable effects, 
were removed to a place of greater security. On one occa- 
sion, his escape seemed miraculous. 

" Near the house, at the road side, by which he daily 
several times passed in visiting the Indian camp, was a 
cluster of wild plum bushes. No one would have sus- 
pected hostile Indians to secrete themselves there; yet 
there the intended assassins waited to murder him, which 
they must have soon accomplished, had they not been 
____ — ... discovered by some Delaware women, who gave 
I ..,• ' the alarm. The Indians — three in number — fled; 

-; ' '." a party pursued, but lost the trail. It after- 

wards appeared that they went up the river some distance, crossed to 
the east side, and passing down nearly opposite his residence, deter- 
mined, in being foiled of their chief prize, not to return empty 
handed. They killed Mr. Dilbone and his wife, who were in a field 
puHing flax; their children, who were with them, escaped by se- 
creting themselves in the weeds. From thence, the Indians went lower 

• Reprint from Howe's Historical CoUectiona of Ohio. 




COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 73 

down, three miles, to Loss Creek, where they killed David Garrard, who 
was at work a short distance from his house. The leader of the party, 
Pash-e-towa, was noted for his cold-blooded cruelty, and a short time 
previous, was the chief actor in destroying upwards of twenty persons — 
mostly women and children — at a place called Pigeon Roost, Indiana. 
He was killed, after the war, by one of his own people, in satisfaction for 
the numerous cruelties he had committed on unoffending persons. 

"In the war of 1812, nothing was more embarrassing to the public 
agents than the management of the Indians on the frontier. President 
Madison, from a noble principle which does his memory high honor, 
positively refused to employ them in the war, and this was a cause of all 
the losses in the country adjacent to the upper lakes. Having their 
famihes in possession, the agents could have placed impUcit confidence in 
the fidehty of the warriors. As it was, they had to manage them as they 
best could. Colonel Johnston frequently furni.shed them with white 
flags, with suitable mottoes, to enable them to pass out-posts and scouts 
in safety. On one occasion, the mihtia basely fired on one of these parties, 
bearing a flag hoisted in full view. They killed two Indians, wounded a 
third, took the survivors prisoners, and after robbing them of all they 
possessed, conveyed them to the garrison at Greenville, to which post 
the party belonged. On reflection they were convinced the}'' had com- 
mitted an unjustifiable act, and became alarmed for the consequences. 
They brought the prisoners to Upper Piqua and dehvered them to 
Colonel Johnston. He took them, wishing to do the best in his power 
for the Indians, and on dehberation, decided to conduct them back to 
Greenville, and restore them, with their property, to their people. AppH- 
cation was made by Colonel Johnston to the officer commanding at 
Piqua, for a guard on the journey. These were Ohio mihtia, of whom 
not a man or officer dared to go. He then told the commander, if he 
would accompany him, he would go at all hazards, the distance being 
twenty-five miles, the road entirely uninhabited, and known to be 
infested with Indians, who had recently killed two girls near Greenville. 
But he ahke refused. All his appeals to the pride and patriotism of 
officers and men proving unavailing, he decided to go alone, it being a 
case that required the promptest action, to prevent evil impressions 
spreading among the Indians. He got his horse ready, bade farewell to 
his wife, scarcely expecting ever to see her again, and reached Greenville 
in safety; procured nearly all the articles taken from the Indians, and 



' Reprint from Howe's Historical Collections of Ohio, 




74 



CONCERNING TIIK FOREFATHERS 




■delivered them back, made them a speech, dismissed 
them, and then springing on his horse, started back alone, 
and reached his home in safety, to the surprise of all, 
particularly the militia, who, dastardly fellows, scarce 
-expected to see him alive, and made many apolo- 
gies for their cowardice. 

'• During the war, Colonel Johnston had many proofs of the fidelity 
of some of the friendly Indians. After the surrender of Detroit, the frontier 
of Ohio was thrown into the greatest terror and confusion. A large body 
of Indians still resided within its limits, accessible to the British. In the 
garrison of Fort Wayne, which was threatened, were many women and 
children, who, in case of attack, would have been detrimental to its defence, 
and it therefore became necessary to have them speedily removed. Colonel 
Johnston assembled the Shawanoese chiefs, and stating the case, requested 
volunteers to bring the women and children at Fort Wayne to Piqua. 
Logan immediately arose and offered his services, and soon started with 
a party of mounted Indians, all volunteers. They reached the post, 
received their interesting and helpless charge, and safely brought them 
to the settlements, through a country infested with marauding bands of 
hostile savages. The women spoke in the highest terms of the vigilance, 
care and delicacy of their faithful conductors." 

Colonel Johnston says: 

"Little Turtle was a man of great wit, humor and vivacity, fond of 
the company of gentlemen, and delighted in good eating. When I knew 
him, he had two wives living with him imder the same roof in the greatest 
harmony; one, an old woman, about his own age — fifty — the choice of 
his youth, who performed the drudgery of the house: the other, a young 
and beautiful creature of eighteen, who was his favorite; yet it never was 
discovered by any one that the least unkind feeling existed between 
them. This distinguished chief died at Fort Wayne about twenty-five 
years ago, of a confirmed case of the gout, brought 
on by high living, and was buried with military 
honors by the troops of the United States. The 
Little Turtle used to entertain us with many of 
lis war adventures, and would laugh immoderately 
it the recital of the following: — A white man, a 
soner of manv vears in the tribe, had often solicited 




COL. JOHN JOHNSTON 75 

permission to go on a war party to Kentucky, and had been refused. It 
never was the practice with the Indians to ask or encourage white pris- 
oners among them to go to war against their countrymen. This man, 
however, had so far acquired the confidence of the Indians, and being 
importunate to go to war, the Turtle at length consented, and took him 
on an expedition into Kentucky. As was tlieir practice, they had recon- 
noitered during the day, and had fixed on a house recently built and 
occupied, as the object to be attacked next morning a little before dawn 
of day. The house was surrounded by a clearing, there being much brush 
and fallen timber on the ground. At the appointed time, the Indians, 
with the white man, began to move to the attack. At all such times no 
talking or noise is to be made. They crawl along the ground on hands 
and feet; all is done b}' signs from the leader. The white man all the time 
was striving to be foremost, the Indians beckoning him to keep back. 
In spite of all their efforts he would keep foremost, and having at length 
got within running distance of the house, he jumped to his feet and went 
with all his speed shouting, at the top of his voice, Indians! Indians! 
The Turtle and his party had to make a precipitate retreat, losing forever 
their white companion, and disappointed in their fancied conquest of the 
unsuspecting victims of the log cabin. From that day forth this chief 
would never trust a white man to accompany him again to war. 

In 1847 Col. John Johnston wrote the followmg impressions 
of Daniel Boone: "It is now fifty-four years since I first 
saw Daniel Boone. He was then about sixty years of age, 
of medium size, about five feet ten, not given to corpulency, 
retired, unobtrusive and a man of few words. My acquaint- 
ance was made with him in the winter season, and I well 
remember his dress was of toro cloth and not a woolen gar- 
ment on his body, unless his stockings were of that material. 
Home-made was the common wear of the people of Kentucky 
at that time ; sheep were not yet introduced into the country. 
I spent four nights in the house of one West, with Boone; 
there were a number of strangers, and he was constantly 
occupied in answering questions." 

Among the friends of John Johnston at this time was 



' Reprint from Htj 



76 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

Captain Butler, a nephew of Gen. Richard Butler, who fell 
at St. Clair's defeat. He had command of Fort Laramie, 
which was built by Wayne in 1704, in what is now Shelby 
County. The two families interchanged hospitalities from 
time to time. Colonel Johnston wrote: "His wife and 
eight children were with him during his command. A very 
interesting son of his, about eight years old, died at the post. 
The agonized father and mother were inconsolable. The 
grave was enclosed with a very handsome painted railing, 
at the foot of which honey-suckles were planted, grew luxu- 
riantly and finally enclosed the whole grave. 

"The peace withdrew Captain Butler and his troops to 
other scenes on the Mississippi. I never passed the fort 
without a melancholy thought about the lovely boy who 
rested there, and his parents never to behold that cherished 
spot again. Long after the posts had decayed in the ground, 
the vines sustained the palings and the whole remained 
perfect until the War of 1812, when all was destroyed, and 
now a farm stands over the spot." 



EARLY LIFE IN PIQUA 

Early life of Julia Johnston Patterson; 
the fifteen children; character of their 

mother; REMINISCENCES OF LIFE AT UpPER 
PiQUA IN THE EARLY Y'EARS OF THE CENTURY; 

THE Indians; guests; entertainments; Julia 
Johnston marries Jefferson Patterson; 
GOES to Dayton to live; St. James Church 
founded; death of Rachel Robinson John- 
ston; other family deaths; John Johnston 
IN Cincinnati; John Johnston at Rubicon 
farm; his death in 1861. 





EARLY LIFE IX PIQUA 

"7 think it must be somcichere written that the 
virtues of the mothers shall be visited upon their 
children, as well as the sins of the fathers." 

Dickens. 

E family of Col. John Johnston, at the time of 
which we are writing, consisted of his wife, 
Rachel, and fifteen children, of whom Julia, 
terwards Mrs. Patterson, was the fifth. She 
3 born in a blockhouse inside the stockade 
at Piqua, on August sixteenth, 1811. The 
ill, in the order of their birth, were as follows: 
PHEN, born at Fort Waj'ne, Indiana, April 
second, 1803; Lieutenant United States Navy; died April 
second, 1848. 

Rebecca, born at Fort Wayne, Indiana, September third, 
1805; died two years later. (These were the first white chil- 
dren born at Fort Wayne.) 

Elizabeth, born at Fort Wayne, Indiana, September 
twenty-second, 1807. 

RosANNA, born at Fort Wayne, Indiana, July second, 1809. 
Juliana, born at Upper Piqua, Ohio, August sixteenth,, 
1811. 

Mary, born at Upper Piqua, Ohio, November twenty- 
eighth, 1813. 

Abraham Robinson, born at Upper Piqua, Ohio, May 
79 



80 CONCERNING THE FOREFATIIEllS 

twenty-third, 1815; captain First Dragoons; killed in battle 
at San Pasquale, California, December sixth, 1846. 

Rachel, born at Upper Piqua, Ohio, November twenty- 
fourth, 1816. 

Rebecca, born at Upper Piqua, Ohio, April second, 1818. 
Of her the father writes that she was "gentle, dutiful, kind 
and affectionate." 

John H. D., born at Upper Piqua, Ohio, June twenty- 
fifth, 1820. 

Catherine Connelly, born at Upper Piqua, Ohio, March 
eighth, 1822. 

William Bernard, born at Upper Piqua, Ohio, January 
twenty-second, 1824. 

Margaret Defrees, born at Upper Piqua, Ohio, Sep- 
tember tenth, 1825. Died at Cincinnati, June twenty-first, 
1849. 

Harriet Jones, born at Upper Piqua, Ohio, August six- 
teenth, 1827. 

James Adams, born at Upper Piqua, Ohio, May fifth, 1830. 

The remarkable mother of this remarkable family died 
July twenty-fourth, 1840. Her monument in the cemetery 
at Upper Piqua bears this inscription: 

'■ In memory of Rachel Johnston, wife of John Johnston. Born in the 
city of Philadelphia, July twelfth, 1785. Died at Upper Piqua, July twen- 
ty-fourth, 1840. An honored and lamented mother of fifteen children." 

" Lo, where this silent marble weeps, 

A friend, a wife, a mother sleeps. 
A heart, within whose sacred cell 
The Christian virtues loved to dwell. 

Affection warm and faith sincere, 

And soft humanity w'ere there. 

"O, from thy kindred early torn, 
And to thy grave untimely borne; 
\'anishcd forever from our view, 
Thou daughter, sister, friend, adieu." 



EARLY LIFE IN PIQUA 



81 



If one examines the dates in the above family record, 
it will be found that Rachel Robinson Johnston bore, on an 
average, a child every twenty months for twenty-six years. 
This, the sequel to her runaway marriage and her thousand 
miles wedding journey on horseback, is a bare record as the 
figures state it; but her descendants should read between the 
lines to find her services to God and her covmtry. These will 
be found chronicled nowhere else. Not in government records. 



for she had 
duties; not 
for the pio- 
t o o busy 
food and 
themselves 
voluminous 
Colonel 
memoirs, 
occupied 
Indians. 
Johnston's 
children 
use their im 
to picture 
ing service 
mother in 
her arduous 




( OLOAJjL JUH.N JU11.N&1U.\ 



no public 
in letters, 
neers were 
providing 
protecting 
to write 
ly ; not in 
Johnston's 
for he was 
with the 
Mrs. Rachel 
great-grand- 
will have to 
agination 
the unceas- 
o f this 
Israel, and 
duties when 



everything in the household had to be of home production. 
The supervision of the farm and dairy; the spinning, the 
weaving, cooking, mending, candle dipping, fruit drjdng, 
carpet weaving, bread baking (at the open fireplace, of 
course), and looking after the beehive full of children were 
all Mrs. Johnston's daily duties. If her descendants come 
to the conclusion that their great-grandfather had an easier 
and simpler time of it with his ten thousand Indians than 



82 CONCERNING THE EOREFATHERS 

did their great-grandmother with her fifteen little Johnstons, 
they will be of one opinion with the writer. 

But her family burdens did not make Mrs. Johnston care- 
less of the larger duties. She assisted her husband in keep- 
ing the confidence of the Indian tribes who lived all around 
them, and her daughter said, "often her home was full every 
night of Indians, of which there were as many as six thousand 
close at hand." When it became apparent, as it sometimes 
did, that the vacancy left by the absence of the Indians would 
be more enjoyable than their society, Colonel Johnston would 
get a circus to come to town. This occasioned a diversion 
which spared the Johnston family many hangers-on; and, 
best of all, when the circus broke up and moved away, the 
Indians were sure to break camp at the same time from force 
of example. This ruse was resorted to quite a number of 
times and never failed to relieve Mrs. Johnston of her imin- 
vited guests. Hei'ein is shown the kindness of heart of both 
husband and wife, who might have cleared the premises in 
a much more summary manner had they not been filled 
with the milk of human kindness which prompts delicacy in 
dealing with the feelings of humble folk. 

"Aunt Rachel," as she was often called, was much given 
to hospitality. A Quaker in her earlier days, no Friend 
ever went l)y her door without entertainment for himself and 
his beast, and the old place was headquarters for all traveling 
people. Among the demands upon her help and counsel was 
the church of her choice, and in the Bible Society, of which 
she was one of the founders, she was a ready worker. 

The first child to leave the family circle was Stephen John- 
ston, who went to Annapolis. There is still living in Piqua 
Mrs. Rachel Davis, who knew the Johnston family and used 
to visit there when all of the fourteen children were still at 
home. 

Mrs. Patterson, as has been stated, was one of the cliildren 



EARLY LIFE IN PIQUA 



83 



born in the stockade fort, 
which was their first home 
after coming from Fort 
Wayne. Afterwards, when 
the neighborhood became 
more settled and the Indians 
trol, the Johnstons moved 
commodious farmhouse, 
porches, wings and outlying 
still existent, one of the old 
Piqua. 



/^'' 



under better con- 
into a large and 
with gambrel-roof, 
'' buildings, which is 
landmarks of Upper 
It stands amid green and sloping pastures, framed 
in distant woods, and the rolling fields, once the scenes 
of blood)' conflicts between the Indians and whites, stretch 
right and left for miles. A large barn of generous accom- 
modation stands at some distance southward of the house. 
Back of the house the land drops into a shady dell, where 
stands the spring-house sjDoken of by Colonel Howe, in 
his "History of Ohio." It is a spacious two-story building, 
with a low, moss-grown roof, under the shadow of a weeping 
willow whose boughs caress the timbers. On the upper floor 
is a long room with a fireplace and with several windows 
looking upon a porch, now all open and abandoned to the 
sun, rain and wind, and littered with the hoards of squirrels. 
In the lower story there are three divisions: one where the 
churning was done, one where the stores were kept, and one 
where the sparkling water flowed in from the spring over stone 
flagging, filling each shallow trough and storing up cool, sweet 
dampness for the cream and butter. No other place speaks 
so loud in associations of the farm and the housewife as the 
spring-house. Here Rachel Johnston and her daughters 
must have spent many, many hours of the long summer 
days overseeing and doing the work and preparing for the 
cohorts of guests who swept down so frequently upon this 
hospitable household. 



84 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

The front of the homestead faces the west, and the slanting 
sun, entering at the large windows, shows the ample rooms 
and halls which once sheltered this vigorous pioneer family. 
The main hall passes from the front entrance through the 
house to a door opening upon a shady porch which 
overlooks the ravine and the spring-house. On the left 
side of the hall is the parlor, a room about twenty-five 
feet square, with a beautiful old colonial mantel and a good 
style of wood finish, such as is used in the most expensive 
modern houses. In this room Mrs. Julia Johnston Patterson 
stood as a bride, and, at different times, five of her sisters. 

Many distinguished people found entertainment under 
this roolF. Gen. William Henry Harrison, as has been said, 
was an honored guest; also Tecumseh, Little Turtle and 
Black Hoof, the famous Indian chiefs; Bishop Philander 
Chase, Gen. Lewis Cass, Thomas"^,Worthington, and other 
officers of the army and prominent men. 

Mrs. Patterson's reminiscences, transcribed for the benefit 
of her grandchildren, contain some interesting accounts of 
her childhood during this period. She says: 

"I have spent many a day with the Indians in their camps 
around Piqua when a child. Tlic schoohng wluch we received was in a 

Httle log school-house, with 
rough hewn benches for seats. 
We used oil paper for panes 
of glass in the windows. All 
over the block-house there 
were places in which to de- 
posit and store away goods 
for the Indians; such things as saddles, blankets, guns, ammuni- 
tion, etc. One day a little girl (Eliza Bradford) and myself went 
up to the garret of the block-house on a ladder to see what we 
could find. I found one saddle away down and we got together 
and pviUed on it, and there we discovered some Indian scalps. I ran 
down and called to my mother what I had found, which made 
her very much frightened, because she said the Indians would kill 





EARLY LIFE IN PIQUA 85 

us if they found it out. They were taken by the soldiers at 
the battle of the River Basin and had been brought 
in by them. 

"When I was about four years old father, fearing 
an outbreak, sent all the children with grandmother 
here to Dayton. We stayed with a family by 
the name of Logan, who lived down the river 
road about four miles below Dayton. One of 
the girls afterward married and became a neigh- 
bor of ours, and she would often tell us about it. 
We stayed there about six months or a year. 
At the end of that time, the Indian war being 
over, we were taken back to Piqua in a wagon. 

"When we came to town there was nothing to be seen but a little frame 
house with a piece of red flannel hanging out in front of it. This was a 
store. Ashley Brown's grandfather came out and grandmother took a 
package out of the saddle bags and gave it to him. It was a pair of socks 
she had spun herself out of fine lamb's wool, and she knit them herself. 
When we came back he gave her a package, and when she got home she 
found it was a fine silk dress. His store was on Main Street where the 
Phillips House is now. This store of Henry Brown's was a post for trading 
with the Indians who brought in furs, skins, etc., and traded them for 
store goods. They were paid by the Government out of Brown's store. 
Perhaps one thousand blankets would be in stock at this place. Twice a 
year my father would come to Dayton to disburse them. During the war 
he did this at Dayton, and after the war was over, he distributed them 
at Piqua. 

"The wagon trail between Piqua and Cincinnati was over hills, down 
valleys and across rivers without any bridges. When the water was too 
high to cross, we would have to wait on the side of the river until it went 
down, and then we would go over in canoes and swim the horses. The 
Fair Grounds hill was so steep that it was a stalling place. Emigrants 
passing to and fro were often delayed by being stalled on this hill, and 
Col. Robert Patterson, when he hved at Rubicon Farm, often helped 
them over the hill with a pair of oxen which he said he kept almost entirely 
for this purpose. . . . The stage notified people in advance of its 
coming by blowing on horns. They used four horses to a stage, and 
changed every ten or twelve miles between Piqua and Cincinnati. We 
would leave Piqua in the morning, get to Dayton that night and then go 
down to Cincinnati. It would take in all two days and one night. Before 



86 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



the pikes were made or stages were used, we traveled on horse-back 
or in wagons. The mail was carried on horse-back, and passenger 
travel was confined almost exclusively to horse-back riding. 

"When I was a eliild at Piqua we had no matches nor coal, 
and it was necessary to keep the fire up by putting coals on wood 
first and then covering with ashes. If this fire went out by acci- 
dent, we started a new one by taking a flint-lock and striking two 
sparks together. The spark would fall down into some punk and 
burn like a match. They could not afford to use powder to start a fire 
with, as it was too expensive. The powder was kept in powder horns, 
and was only used for killing deer and pork for the wdnter meat. The 
Indians were always glad to trade any kind of game for powder and pork. 

" I can remember when we were very saving of flour bread. Wheat 
and flour were scarce, and the consequence was bread was seldom had. 
In the place of bread they would take the breast of a wild turkey, roast it 
by turning it round and round in front of the fire on a spit. Then they 
would cut off sUces of it, and put it on the table and use it in place of 
bread. Apples at that time were also very scarce, because the trees were 
still young. 




"At the garrison in Piqua, we used to save all our old clothes; the 
soldiers would leave their old clothes there, and mother would have them 
cleaned, dried and cut up into carpet rags. The British soldiers had red 
coats and the American soldiers had blue, and this mixture would make 
a very pretty rag carpet. The chain which we had for these carpets was 
made out of hemp. The carpets were woven on the farm by an old Irish- 
man, who learned the trade in Ireland. He also wove the coverlids for 
the beds, table hnen, sheeting, towels, etc. Everything we had of this nature 
was woven on the farm. The yarn was spun first on a big spinning wheel, or 
the little spinning wheel, and from this stockings were knit and cloth made 
for dresses. Plaits were made of blue and red, red and white, or any other 
color. They were dyed with madder, copperas and indigo. The Indians 
used to dye with dyes they got out of the woods. They dyed red by use of 
sumach. They also took the leaves of this and made 'kinikinik' to 
smoke. They would put a little tobacco in, however, to give it an odor. 
They would take a coon skin, dry it and use it to carry their 'kinikinik.' 
They did not raise tobacco. The tobacco all came from Virginia, and 
was brought by white people. It was twisted in a twist Hke a skein of 




EARLY LIFE IN PIQUA 87 

yarn, and was called 'dog-leg' tobacco. The Indians would buy this and 
would put a little of it in with their 'kinikinik.' 

"My father said that the Indians had the same religious ceremonies 
as the Jews. There were some of them also Free Masons. They had a 
Lodge among them the same as we have, similar to the Free Masons. 
There was a large mound between Piqua and Dayton, and it was said by 
some that Indian bodies were buried beneath it, but the Indians themselves 
said they never knew anything of their tribes being buried there. Father 
also said that the Indians never threw a wheel-barrow of dirt up in that 
shape, and that consequently the mound builders must have been pre- 
vious to the Indians. 

" The first thing I can remember of my grandmother * was as follows: 
We were in the stockade at Upper Piqua and had a pet deer. My grand- 
mother had some linen yarn hanging up on the line to dry, and tliis deer 
got its horns entangled in the yarn. I was born inside of this stockade. 
The logs were about ten feet high. Our cabin was inside this, and stood 
off to one side. The stockade included about ten acres, and the spring 
was inside. It was planned by an officer of the army. When we moved 
out of the stockade, I had a great big china doll on the shelf behind the 
door, and as we were leaving, I went back to the cabin and got it. I was 
only three years old at that time. At another time, I can remember that 
same deer got its head in the milk and in some way broke its leg. My 
grandmother went and bound it up and fed it until it got well. 

"They used to kill opossums and eat them, but my grandmother 
would never let them do it when she was around. When we went to 
church, we did not get back until four o'clock in the afternoon. This 
was because the road was through the woods and was very poor. When 
going to church they would never take a lunch, except possibly the 
children would take a biscuit. 

" My father found a white boy among the Indians and he tried 
every way to find the child's parents. At last he sent for a woman from 
Kentucky whom he believed to be a relative. The woman and the 
daughter came all the way over from Kentucky on horse-back. They 
looked the child over and came to the conclusion that he had none of the 
features of their family. The parents of the child for whom they were 



* This was the French girl, Elizabeth Bernard, 




CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

looking had been killed by the Indians and the child taken 
/•li captive. The age corresponded, but not the features. They 
were going to go away and my grandmother asked them if 
they ever sang to the child. The woman said, yes; its mother 
sang whenever she put the child to sleep. My grandmother then 
told the old lady to sing some of the old cradle songs and notice 
if the child observed them. The woman began to sing and had 
scarcely sang one verse through when the child began to cry. 
She found it was the long lost child and they took it back to 
Kentucky with them. 

" Billy and John Conners were taken captive by the Indiana 
when they were small. Billy married a squaw and had seven 
children. When the Indians were preparing to start West over 
the Mississippi River to their reservation, they began to suspect Conners 
of not going with them, as he was not getting ready, and the squaw wife 
was very anxious and very much troubled. Grandmother told him he 
must go with her and he denied that he was preparing not to go. He 
went one day's journey with them and came back, deserting his squaw 
and children. He got one thousand acres of land because she was a 
squaw and he laid out the town of Connersville, Indiana. He became 
a very rich man and married a white woman. I do not know what 
became of the other child, John Conners. Stephen Woodney afterward 
told me that he saw Conners' squaw, and she said she had taken a vine 
called ' liveforever,' and stuck a piece for each member of her family in 
different parts of the home before starting West. 'Liveforever' was a 
kind of shrub that would grow and spread. She did this because she 
said she did not want any one to go in there and live. 

"The Indians got sixty thousand dollars for their land, which was 
paid to them by my father. The white men swindled them, though. 
One man brought in a bill of eight thousand dollars for goods which 
he claimed to have sold them. The poor Indian chief had signed 
the paper, and the law required the money to be turned over to the 
white man. It seemed as if the Indians would have to give way to 
the people who would use the land for better purposes than hunting. 
The Indians did not do much farming. They would sell their furs and 
get what they wanted in that way. They had a different kind of 
corn from ours. It was called 'Squaw corn,' and was a very small 
cob, so that they could shell the corn and carry it with them to make 
'succotash.' 

"Black Hoof said he was born on the Susquehanna River, and came 



EARLY LIFE IN PIQUA 



89 



from there with a tribe of Shoshone Indians; that he remembered the 
Treaty with the white people by which the Indians 
ceded their land in Pennsylvania to the Government. 
The Government in this Treaty stipulated that the 
Indians should never be moved again; that the 
new territory would be sacred to them for 
all time. Black Hoof said the white men 
would get all their land from them and 
would leave them no place to live. They 
would push them West until they pushed 
them into the Pacific Ocean, and that 
would be the last of the Indians. 

"Our family hated to see the poor In- 
dians move, but my mother never hked 
to live among them, and would never 
let her children learn the Indian tongue, 
as she said we were barbarians enough. 
My father could understand the Sho- 
shone language. Manitou was the 
good spirit of the Indians, and 
Natchee-Manitou represented the 
devil to them. 

"In 1811, my uncle was deputy 

supply agent at Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

He was sent by the Government to the 

territory of Cincinnati and Mas killed 

by a Potawatamie Indian. They took 

his watch, and that is how we knew 

he was killed by an Indian. My 

uncle's name was Stephen Johnston. 

That is the reason my father left the 

Fort and went to live at the stockade 

at Upper Piqua." 

What would we not give for 

some detailed account of the family 

life of the Johnston household at 

Upper Piqua, for a record of one week, 

and what they did and said? There 




■00 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

are no diaries extant, and but few letters ; and these are of a 
later day than that of which we write, and were addressed to 
those children who had left the parents' home. They are the 
briefest reports of the health of the family and directions 
about some matters of business. No trifling chit-chat — there 
was no time for it. No philosophizing — they did not know 
how. Every-day duty and religious faith made up their cor- 
respondence, as it did their lives. Colonel Johnston wrote 
frequently to his friends and to his absent children, in his 
beautiful, plain running chirography, and always affection- 
ately. Mrs. Johnston's letters, the few which time has spared, 
breathe a spirit of the "mother" through every page. Once 
she owns up to being tired of hearing about "hard times 

.( and poly ticks," but she 

never complained of 
what must have been, 
at best, a life full of 
stress and strain, and 
always (with but one discovered exception, in which she was 
in a desperate hurry for "one more yard of carpet to be sent 
by the next canal boat from Dayton") she finished her 
letters with "God bless you and keep you is the prayer of 
your loving mother." 

It is not to be wondered at that the early settlers were 
deeply religious. The Lord God who watcheth over Israel 
was bound to be a living reality to them or they never could 
have faced the difficulties and perils of their lives, many as 
these were. 

Some of the men, when they got too old to be useful, 
were wont to spend their time writing their views on immor- 
tality or on the Divinity of Christ, on small sheets of paper 
which are now very difficult to read. Often the religion is 
of that old-fashioned, vindictive type where so much more is 
made of the threats against the children of God than of the 




EARLY LIFE IN PIQUA 91 

promises to them, that we wonder how it could have been a 
comfort. However, as their Uves were hard and uncompro- 
mising, it was most natural that their religion should be the 
same. There was no dilettantism in those days in things 
temporal or spiritual. Such as their faith was, these pioneers 
held to it and died in it. Their faith was not for Sunday 
alone. It was the every-day prop of their every-day exist- 
ence. It went along with their log-rolling, their farming, 
their spinning and churning. The old family scrap-books 
contain letters describing deaths in the family circle, which, 
from their faith and Christian assurance, are inspiring to read. 
The fear of the Lord was the beginning of the pioneers' wis- 
dom and the end of all their knowledge. They built first 
the stockade fort; next, the log cabin, then the church. 

The Episcopal Church found its way early into the Ohio 
wilderness, heralded by that stanch pioneer Christian, Bishop 
Philander Chase, aided and abetted by such strong laymen 
as John Johnston and his friends. The service of John 
Johnston and his wife to the parish of St. James is worth re- 
cording. In 1822, Bishop Chase visited Piqua and stayed 
under the Johnston roof. John Johnston had invited him, 
hoping that enough interested persons could be found to 
start a church. An article of association was prepared, which 
read as follows: 

"We whose names are hereunto afRxed, deeply impressed with the 
truth of Christianity and desirous of promoting its holy influences on our- 
selves, our families and society at large, do hereby associate ourselves 
together under the name, style and title of the Parish of St. James Church 
in the village of Piqua, township of Washington, county of Miami, in com- 
munion with the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the diocese of Ohio. 

"Signed; — John Johnston, Thomas Hillier, Robert Johnston, Jas. 
Johnston, Jr., Wm. Johnston, Jr., Nicholas Greenham, Thomas Greenham, 
Charles Barrington, Samuel Barrington, Jacob Cox, J. Rinson, James 
Defrees, Enos Manning, William R. Barrington, John McCorkle, James 
Tamplin, George Johnston, Joseph Defrees, Jr." 



92 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

The organization of the parish was finally accomplished on 
the fifth of January, 1823, with John Johnston and Nicholas 
Greenham as wardens. Immediately after the organization 
of the parish, John Johnston was appointed lay reader by 
Bishop Chase, and at once commenced holding the regular 
services of the church. In 1825 the vestry of St. James 
Church called the Rev. Gideon McMillen, who accepted and 
became the first minister. Until 1828 no Episcopal Church 
building was erected in Piqua. Services were held in a 
schoolhouse near the Johnston cemetery. 

In 1828 active preparations were made to build a church 
and fourteen hundred dollars were subscribed toward this 
end. Colonel Johnston was influential in securing five hun- 
dred dollars of the sum through friends in Philadelphia. 
This church, which stood on the corner of North and Spring 
Streets, was consecrated by Bishop Mcllvaine on November 
eleventh, 1833, and in it the Johnstons worshipped for many 
years. When, in 1846, this church was replaced by a brick 
edifice (lately torn down to give place to a third), John H. D. 
Johnston, son of Colonel Johnston, gave the ground for the 
new building. Thus the history of St. James Church, Piqua, 
has been the partial history of the Johnston family, members 
of which were baptized at its font, confirmed at its rail, and 
married and buried from beneath its bell tower. 

Mrs. Rachel Johnston was active in the work of the church, 
though how she found time for it would be hard to teU. 
She was a teacher in the Sunday-school, and president, for 
fifteen years, of the Piqua Bible Society. We find in the 
church records an address delivered by her on the twenty- 
second anniversary of this organization, held May fourth, 
1840, at St. James Church, Piqua. It closes thus: 

" Let us be more and more devoted to this duty and let us, bj' labors 
of love, invite others to come with us, that we may do them good also; 
for the consolations of the Gospel are neither few nor small, and it is not 



EARLY LIFE IN PIQUA 93 

among the least of its benefits that the soul employed in benefiting others 
for the sake of Christ, shall be more abundantly watered. To do good 
and to distribute, forget not, for with such sacrifices, God is well pleased. 
If thou hast much, give plentifully. If thou hast little, do thy diligence 
gladly to give of that Uttle." 

The family circle continued unbroken for twelve years 
after the removal of John Johnston from Fort Wayne to 
Piqua. Then the outgoing from the home nest began with 
the marriage of Elizabeth, the second daughter, to John D. 
Jones, of Cincinnati, on September twenty-second, 1823. The 
marriages of the other children occurred in the order named : 

Juliana Johnston to Jefferson Patterson, of Dayton, Feb- 
ruary twenty-sixth, 1833, by the Rev. Alvah Guion. 

Mary Johnston to Milton A. McLean, of Cincinnati, June 
tenth, 1834, by Rev. Ethan Allen, of Christ Church, Dayton. 

Rachel Johnston to William A. Reynolds, of Cincinnati, 
May twenty-fifth, 1836. 

Stephen Johnston, Lieutenant United States Navy, to 
Elizabeth Anderson, of Louisville, Kentucky, July third, 1838. 

Rebecca Johnston to James Findlay Whiteman, May thir- 
teenth, 1840. 

Catherine Connelly Johnston to George Holtzbecher, July 
twenty-ninth, 1840. 

John H. D. Johnston to Mary Jane Dye on June twelfth, 
1845. 

Death also came now and then to the family cu'cle. The 
fii'st to go was the French-Irish grandmother, Elizabeth 
Bernard Johnston, who died at the advanced age of eighty- 
nine at Upper Piqua, August eighteenth, 1834, and was 
interred in the family burying-ground near the farm. 

There was much visiting back and forth between Day- 
ton and Piqua in those days, and on one of these occasions 
Julia Johnston met Jefferson Patterson, the youngest son 
of Col. Robert Patterson. The attraction was mutual. 



94 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

Letters passed back and forth, and many a trip on horseback 
did the lover make through the woods from Dayton to the 
Johnston home in Upper Piqua in the pursuit of his courtship. 
We have a few of the letters exchanged during this winter, 
and they speak for the dignified nature of the engagement. 
In one of the last letters before her marriage Julia Johnston 
ends by saying: "I trust you will accept my assurances of 
sincere affection as a substitute for many words. Yours 
truly, Julia Johnston." Julia Johnston first went to the 
Rubicon in the summer of 1832 as a visitor, and spent sev- 
eral weeks there with the family of her husband-to-be. 

Jefferson Patterson, like his father, was a public-spirited 
man and interested in all civic functions and progress. Be- 
fore the campaign of 1832 all Dayton had united in a Fourth 
of July celebration; people from the country came in dele- 
gations, crowding the streets and camping on vacant lots. 
Not since the war had the town been so full. Homes of 
jDrominent people were filled with guests for three days. 
Capt. Adam Houk, grand marshal of the day and com- 
mander of the procession, had for his aides Jefferson Patter- 
son, Robert C. Schenck, George C. Davis, Peter P. Lowe and 
George Engle, mounted on gaily caparisoned horses. Many 
of the business associates and friends of Jefferson Patterson 
were on the committee of arrangements for that celebration 
— Thomas Clegg, Charles G. Swain, David C. Baker, Charles 
R. Greene, George Grove, William Eaker, Peter Baer, John- 
son Perrine, William Roth, John Engle, David Davis, Thomas 
Morrison, F. F. Carroll, Samuel Foley and Thomas Brown. 
Edward W. Davies read the Declaration of Independence, 
and Robert A. Thruston delivered the oration. As aide-de- 
camp, Jefferson Patterson wore his Masonic regalia, and over 
it a shoulder sash of red silk. First in the procession, follow- 
ing the marshal and staff, came troops of horse, then foot- 
soldiers, the Masonic order, school children, men and women 



EARLY LIFE IN PIQUA 



95 



marching, the hne closing with citizens mounted or in 
wagons. 

This Fourth of July celebration was the greatest demon- 
stration that Julia Johnston had seen since her school days 
in Cincinnati; the fact that her fiance took so prominent a 
part in it increased her interest. The parade of trade repre- 
sentatives was a new feature to her, and her recollections of 
this and other public events proved of assistance in later 
j^ears to writers of Dayton histories. 




04-liS' T"*'" Ashlev Brown ^^ rites: 

VM^'^" %^/lt'> "^" ^'^^® evening of February twelfth, 1833,. 

,\^ "^ °^.t 1= / «2i?°' Jefferson Patterson entertained a party of his 
I ^."^^j_^^' 4 3'oung men friends at the National Hotel, a popular 

514 ^^T-_ 'f="' . rendezvous of the young men of Dayton, with a sup- 
■V^j,* '^*-<^--^ per and dance, a sort of farewell party, for he was 

^hji '/ ' soon to be married. At that gathering a party was 

' made up to escort him to Upper Piqua, fifteen or twenty in 

number, relatives and friends, married and single, including the groom's 
brother, Robert L., his nephew, R. P. Brown, R. P. Nisbet and Jack 
Nisbet, the latter then eighteen years old. It was a jolly company, in 
carriages and on horseback. The groom's carriage, in which he was to 
return with his bride, was drawn by four horses and driven by John 
Shellabarger. Jefferson Patterson and party started from Dayton before 
day, on the morning of February twenty-fifth, the ground being covered 
with heav}', fast melting snow. They crossed Mad River bridge and 
followed the Military Road east of the Miami to Staunton for dinner at a 
small tavern kept by Peter Fehx, then before dark crossed by ferry some 
four or five miles farther up the river and drove into Piqua without a mis- 
hap, putting up at the httle tavern for the night. Rain began to fall, and 
only a few of the party accompanied the groom for an early candle light 



96 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

call upon Miss Juliana Johnston and her family. Other friends reached 
Piqua on the morning of the twenty-sixth, and after an early dinner all 
proceeded to Colonel Johnston's Upper Piqua home, taking with them the 
Episcopal minister, Rev. Alvah Guion of the Piqua parish. A generous 
feast of cold meats, bread, butter and hot coffee was served all afternoon 
to the large company of early arriving guests. At six o'clock, Jefferson 
Patterson and JuUana Johnston were married in the large parlor, with 
the Episcopal service by Rev. Alvah Guion." 

Family tradition records the fact that Juhana wore a 
white silk gown and that her father gave her, as to each of 
the other family brides, a solid sUver tea service. 

Mrs. Patterson afterwards wrote of the occasion: "At our 
wedding a large delegation came up from Dayton and a 
great many people attended from Piqua and surrounding 
towns. Some of the people came at three o'clock, although 
the wedding did not take place until six in the evening. The 
consequence was we had to furnish two suppers. The first 
one, for the early people who came, was cold ham, etc. For 
the wedding supper we had all kinds of game and delicacies, 
well cooked by three male cooks. Two of them were soldiers 
and one was a colored man." 

Henry L. Brown left an account of the Patterson wedding 
among his papers. He says: 

"The waters were too high for the river ferry to be operated, and 
Mr. Patterson determined that the party should return to Dayton by 
the more direct but unimproved road west of the Miami. The bride's 
sisters, Mary and Rachel, with other young ladies and gallants, mounted 
to ride with the Dayton party until noon. After nine o'clock on the 
morning of February twenty-seventh, they started from Upper Piqua with 
luncheon in hampers, the bride's trousseau, wedding gifts, etc., on pack 
horses. Colonel Johnston stood at the door to say farewells with good 
cause for expressions of anxiety as to how and when the bridal party 
would get through to Dayton, as small streams were running bank full 
and the river rising steadily. They were equipped for storm, and it was 
a gay cavalcade of carriages, horsemen and horsewomen that stopped 
in Piqua but a short time for greetings, then rode on into a stretch of 



EARLY LIFE IN PIQUA 97 

alternate pools and muddy way that soon turned back the Johnston girls 
and company. Reaching the stone house, erected in 1801, half way 
between Piqua and Troy, the Patterson party halted for lunch, and to 
feed and rest the horses. Resuming their journey they passed through 
Troy without incident, to find increased difficulties in five or six miles 
of almost bottomless roadway. They had given up all idea of getting 
home that night, and in a jolly mood arrived at Hyatt's little tavern at 
Tippecanoe cross roads, and were nicely quartered for the night, half 
of the party provided with blankets for sleeping on the bar-room floor 
before a great log fire. After a daybreak breakfast they started in wel- 
come sunshine, and by advice of the landlord took a southwest course to 
cross Stillwater some distance above Little York. The carriages were 
more of an encumbrance than on the day before, as but few of the 
streams were bridged. Leaving the carriages and packs at a farmhouse 
they ferried across Stillwater in canoes near Harrisburg, swimming the 
horses; then, mounting, reached Da3rton (Bridge Street) and ferried 
the Miami before dark, the water running over the roadway between 
bridge and levee rendering fording too dangerous. Within a few days 
the water subsided and the carriages were brought in from Harrison 
township. 

"Mr. and Mrs. Patterson, being the first over in the row-boat ferry, 
waited for others of the party and the horses; then all rode to the /-jv 
Jefferson Street home, where they were happily welcomed by the - 
aged mother, EUzabeth Lindsay Patterson, and her grand-daughter, 
Harriet Nisbet. Candles were lighted, the guests departed, and 
the bride and groom enjoyed their first supper and evening at 
home in teUing incidents of their novel bridal tour. Mr. Patter- 
son's brother came in from the farm next morning, and town 
relatives and others called during the day. Social experiences 
soon began, relatives and friends in Dayton and vicinity calling 
every day. With her old friends and new the young bride soon 
felt perfectly at home. By reason of the feeble condition of 
Mother Patterson the duties and responsibilities of housekeeping 
fell upon Jefferson's wife. 

"The first invitation to the bride and groom was to drive 
with Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Wliicher, Mrs. Whicher being a niece 
of Mr. Patterson, the daughter of Mrs. Margaret Venable. Mrs. 
Catherine P. Brown gave a dinner for them; then followed a 
grand ball and supper in their honor at the National Hotel; 



98 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

afterwards there were card parties and dances at the homes of friends 
in Dayton and the country around. Colonel Johnston on his way to 
Cincinnati in April stopped two days with the Pattersons, and called 
with them upon the Bradfords, McConnells and other friends and con- 
nections in the country near by. On the return trip Colonel Johnston 
arranged with Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson Patterson to invite a company of 
their friends to a picnic dinner at Charleston Falls in June. Two of Mrs. 
Patterson's sisters were then to return to Dayton with her for a visit. 
The proposed outing and visit were abandoned on account of the cholera, 
which was then making its first appearance." 

For the first few years after their marriage the Patter- 
sons Uved on the east side of Jefferson Street between Third 
and Fourth. There they had a large garden, and it was a 
happy time for the young couple except that they lost their 
first child, Rachel, there. A part of this property was sold 
to a man named Pigeon in order to pay a security debt of 
nine hundred dollars which Jefferson Patterson had signed 
for Dr. Clements. A few j-ears after marriage they moved 
to the Rubicon farm south of Dayton on the Lebanon road. 

The separation from the home circle only endeared its 
members to the young bride, who went back again and again 
to seek the help and companionship of the mother she loved 
so much. And to lighten the mother's cares she took during 
the first year of her married life a younger sister and kept 
her for many months, making her clothes and sendmg her to 
school. The Jefferson Street home became, as the Rubicon 
home did later, a stopping-place for the family on their jour- 
neys to and from Cincinnati, where the other married daugh- 
ters, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Reynolds and Mrs. McLean, lived. 

Thus we find that this happy marriage was a natural out- 
come of the warm family ties in the old Piqua homestead. 
As Mrs. Patterson had seen her mother's household governed, 
so she sought to establish and govern her own. Who that 
has known it will doubt how she succeeded? 

Shortly after coming to Dayton, Mr. Patterson decided to 



EARLY LIFE IN PIQUA 99 

go with Mrs. Patterson into the Episcopal Church, in which 
faith she had been christened and confirmed. The new Christ 
Church on Jefferson Street, just one block south of their resi- 
dence, was built that year. The rector was Rev. Ethan Allen, 
a very warm friend of Colonel Johnston and family, for he 
had been a frequent guest at the Upper Piqua home on his 
tours of missionary work in riding for visits to Piqua and 
Springfield parishes. 

We shall keep to the story of the Johnston family in this 
place, although it may be to anticipate by a number of years 
various events in the lives of Jefferson Patterson and his wife. 

The bereavement which, at first indirectly and then actu- 
ally, broke up the Piqua home was the death of the dear 
mother who had ruled it so long. No more could the far- 
scattered sons and daughters and grandchildren answer her 
call to the home roof and renew the associations of their 
childhood with her who knew each heart so well. 

Mrs. Rachel Robinson Johnston died at the farmhouse at 
Upper Piqua after eleven days' illness, on Friday morning, 
July twenty-fourth, 1840, at three o'clock. 

We quote from the sermon delivered at her obsequies by 
her beloved pastor so often mentioned in her letters, Rev. 
Alvah Guion: 

"She was a most kind, affectionate, loving wife; a most tender, anxious 
and devoted mother. During the forty years of their married life, her 
husband cannot recall to mind one circumstance respecting her that would 
cause a moment's pain. 

" The cause of Christ lay near her heart and there was no way of pro- 
moting it in which she did not stand ready to lend a helping hand. . . . 
For fifteen years she filled the office of President of the Piqua Bible So- 
ciety and her labors in this cause have been a blessing to the whole com- 
munity. . . . Ministers of Christ, of all denominations, were always 
welcome under her roof. She loved all that belonged to the ' Holy Catho- 
hc Church' without reference to sect or denomination. 
L.efC. 



ino CONCERNIN(; THE FOREFATHERS 

" In private life, Mrs. Johnston's manner was cheerful and engaging 
so as to win the respect and love of all who knew her. Her conversation 
was at once lively, pleasing and instructive. Her religious duties (how- 
ever pressed she was with other cares) she was never known to neglect. 
No night or morning passed without her bowing herself in private before 
her Maker, and always during the absence of her husband she conducted 
the devotions of the family. Nothing but sickness or absence from home 
prevented her from occupying her seat in church. She was firmly at- 
tached to the ceremonies of the Episcopal Church, of which she was a 
communicant. She regarded the ministry and government of the Epis- 
copal Church as spiritual and as a most blessed means of preserving unity 
and peace ; she regarded the Uturgy as a safe-guard against error and en- 
thusiasm as well as a most appropriate sacred Scriptural form of worship. 
She warmly and cordially united in the responsive worship of the church 
and always after its use appeared to be refreshed. Her behavior, while 
uniting in divine service, showed plainly that her heart was with God. 

" In the death of this pious and excellent woman, her deeply afflicted 
husband and children, the church and the whole community have sus- 
tained a great and, to human appearance, an irreparable loss. Such an 
example as that which she has set before us who survive, is scarcely to be 
met with. God grant that all her relations, friends and neighbors may 
imitate her holy example and be prepared whenever the solemn summons 
shall arrive to join her in a world of perfect, uninterrupted bliss and 
peace." 

All of the fourteen living children were present at Mrs. 
Johnston's death except Stephen, William and Marj'. Mrs. 
Julia Johnston Patterson, with her infant son William, 
remained a week, and Mr. Patterson drove up from Dayton 
for her. Catherine Johnston's marriage to George Holtz- 
becher had been set for the day previous to her mother's 
death. The ceremony was, of course, postponed. On the 
twenty-ninth of July they were married and started East. 
Robinson Johnston, who had been recalled to Washington 
to settle his accounts as commissary at Fort Leavenworth for 
three years previous, accompanied them. 

******* 
After Mrs. Johnston's death (to anticipate the next twenty 



EARLY LIFE IN PIQUA 



101 



years) her husband found it mipossible to continue to live in 
the Upper Piqua homestead. The family scattered to differ- 
ent homes; the daughters were all married save one (Mar- 
garet) , and the sons were away from the parental roof. Colonel 



Johnston 
cape sadden- 
ries; there- 
t o o k a 
Cincinnati 
Street 
Fourth 
where, 
daughter 
as house- 
lived for 
comf or t- 
compara- 
h a p p y 
d a u g h - 
J o h n D. 
also hving 
n a t i at 
bringing 
of grand- 
who were 
nel's chief 
life. He 

trips by Ca- erected by daughters of AMERICAN 

ton, being al- revolution at col. john 

interested m Johnston's farm ^.^^ 

Fair which was held near the Rubicon farm. 

It will be remembered that seven years before the time 
of which we are writing, Colonel Johnston had arranged the 
treaty by which all the tribes of Indians in Ohio pledged 




longed to es- 
ing memo- 
f o r e he 
house in 
on Elm 
between 
and Fifth, 
with his 
Margaret 
keeper, he 
nine very 
able and 
t i V e 1 y 
years. His 
ter, Mrs. 
Jones, was 
in Cincin- 
that time, 
upafamily 
children, 
the Colo- 
interest in 
made many 
nal to Day- 
ways greatly 
County 



102 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

themselves to remove west of the Mississippi. They still kept 
their fealty to their old friend and benefactor, and when any 
of theu' number came to Cincinnati they never failed to call 
upon Colonel Johnston and pay their respects. We read in 
the diar}' of John D. Jones that on Sunday, December ninth, 
1849, he and his wife entertained three Indian friends to 
dinner with Colonel Johnston, who had taken them to church 
with him. They had waited two days to see their friend, he 
being in Dayton in the meantime. The diary records that 
the dinner was good and that the Indians refused wine. 

During these years Colonel Johnston was an active and 
busy man. Although past the prime of life he held to its 
wider interests, and kept both heart and head busy. But 
death came again and again into the family circle so fre- 
quently robbed in earlier years. On December sixth, 1846, 
Capt. Abraham Robinson Johnston, commander of the First 
United States Dragoons, was killed in battle at San Pasquale, 
California, and was buried next morning at reveille on the 
field. He had gone out to CaUfornia with General Kearney 
with about one hundred dragoons. He was ordered to make 
a charge with eighteen picked men before daylight. The 
little band was surrounded by IMexicans and every man 
killed. Young Johnston was buried under a willow bush on 
the battlefield, only to be twice removed, once to Governor's 
Island, and afterwards to the family burying-lot on the 
farm at Piqua. 

This death was a great l)low to Colonel Johnston, for the 
career of his West Point son had alwaj^s been a matter of 
intense pride with him. He alludes again and again in his 
diary to this grief as one which he never could hope would 
heal. 

On March seventeenth, 1847, John Johnston lost his sister, 
Mary Johnston Widney, aged se^'enty-nine 3'ears, and on 
December thirteenth of the same year, his only remaining 



EARLY LIFE IN PIQUA 103 

brother, James Johnston, aged seventy-seven, after a long and 
painful confinement of three years and three months. 

The next break m the family circle was the death of the 
only remaining son, Stephen Johnston, who had stood in the 
navy, as his brother had in the army, for bravery and devo- 
tion to duty. He entered the navy in 1823 and had seen 
much service. His last cruise was in the Indian and Pacific 
Oceans as first lieutenant of the "Columbus," of ninety guns. 
At Japan he contracted a fatal illness and started home. 
Death gave him time to see his native shores once more, and 
he died at Louisville, Ky., on April twentieth, 1848. In April, 
1852, by order of the United States War and Navy Depart- 
ments, the remains of the two brothers were brought to 
Piqua and buried with appropriate ceremonies by the side of 
the mother who bore them. 

Ashley Brown writes: 

"One more blow remained to the father whose heart had already bled 
so much. It was in June, 1849, that fatal cholera year. Cincinnati, like 
all Ohio towns, felt the scourge keenly. Margaret Johnston, her father's 
pride, his last remaining daughter and keeper of his home, was a most 
beautiful and popular girl of happy disposition. She had spent the even- 
ing of the twentieth with her sister, Mrs. Reynolds, having dined with the 
other sister, Mrs. Jones. There were quite a party present and all re- 
marked her high spirits. It was the same at breakfast time the next 
day. At one o'clock the sudden fatal symptoms appeared: she suffered 
for nine hours, sinking rapidly, and at nine o'clock that evening was dead. 
The sisters were prostrated with grief and the old father too dazed to 
realize the depth of his loss." 

The journal of Colonel Johnston bears this pathetic entry: 

"Thursday, my dearest daughter, Margaret Defrees, was seized with 
cholera at one o'clock and died at nine o'clock the same evening, sick only 
eight hours. My comfort, my star, my hope in tliis world is taken away. 
She was most dutiful and affectionate to me in my old age. God's Holy 
Will be done." 

There was no more home for him after Margaret's death, 



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104 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

and therefore, after the funeral, which took place at Piqua, 
he removed to the home of his daug;hter, Mrs. Patterson, 
who had been for nine years livinj!; at the Rubicon farm. 
Here he hoped to, and did, end his days. He found, indeed, 
a warm roof and a warm welcome among his Patterson grand- 
children. The older ones now living recall with pleasure his 
presence at the open fireside when he entertained them with 
stories of his friends the Indians, and his walks with the 
yoimg people under the very oak trees now standing on the 
lawn, where he taught them Indian lore and legend. No man 
in the United States knew the Indian language, habits, super- 
stitions and traditions as did John Johnston. His con- 
tributions to the " Archeologica Americana" are now 
very valuable and frequently referred to. All these 
things he loved to talk about : they had entered into 
the most active and useful part of his life, and afforded 
interesting mental occupation for his old age. His 
figure was a familiar one on the streets of Dayton 
and Cincinnati. He walked erect, had snow-white 
hair and wore a blue coat with shining brass buttons, 
after the fashion of the day. 

However, the passage of the years was telling on his 
health and spirits. Extracts from his journal during these 
years are the records of breaking hopes and strength: 

"Mch. twenty-fifth, 1854: I have this day closed iny seventy-ninth 
year, born as I have always been informed by my oldest sister, Mary 
Johnston Widney, on the twenty-fifth of Mch. 1775. Thus have I been 
permitted thro' the goodness of Almightj' God to pass the usual period 
allotted to man and am now commencing my eightieth year. In 1786 
brought by parents from Ireland, in 1793 with Gen'l Wayne's Army on 
the Ohio at Cincinnati, have had many a narrow escape for my life 
both in peace and in war, more frequently from the Indian assassin 
than from open enemy. Thank God for a comfortable competence, for 
kind, dutiful and affectionate children and that I am yet enabled to take 
care of myself and not a trouble to any one." 



EARLY LIFP: IN PIQUA 105 

At Upper Piqua, Tluirsclay, May thirty-first, 1855. 
" I have spent two weeks this day at this place once so dear to me, and 
now made so desolate and dreary by the hand of death. Much of my time 
has been spent in the cemetery among the monuments of my dear mother, 
brothers, wife and children. I go back to Dayton this day and may never 
return here again until some surviving friends may bring my remains here 
to be deposited by the side of my beloved wife Rachel." 

A letter written by him at Clay Hotel, Washington, 
(1861), to Judge Swain reveals his sentiment: 

"My heart is sick at what I am compelled to see and hear here daily. 
To any one like myself who witnessed the origin, rise and progress of the 
Federal Government, who have seen the great and good Washington with 
many of the gifted men who aided him in its creation and establishment, 
and to see now all its benefits and blessings scattered and blasted by wicked 
and bad men, it seems as though God had forsaken us. May He only 
who can order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men have mercy 
upon us and restore our bleeding country once more to peace, harmony 
and prosperity." 

And he writes a sad, prophetic paragraph to Jefferson 
Patterson on the subject of urging his claim before Congress. 
He is at the Brownsville (Pa.) Water Cure, and feels that 
if he is to have the benefit of what money is justly due 
him it should be quickly granted. "The only obstacle," he 
says, " in my mind in going to Washington is the apprehension 
of being arrested with disease and death so far away from 
home." 

Colonel Johnston went to Washington in December, 1860. 
His claim against the Government amounted to twenty-one 
thousand dollars, which sum he had expended during the 
two years when, notwithstanding the appointment of a suc- 
cessor, he was obliged to furnish supplies to the Indians. He 
never lived to see the claim paid. It had passed both branches 
of Congress and lacked only attesting and sealing when the 
end came. He had written much upon this matter, and at 



106 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

the end of one of liis papers he says: "It is m}' purpose to 
resume it hereafter," but he never did. At eighty, one may 
plan, but the fulfilment lies beyond human performance. 
The War of the Rebellion was just breaking out, and it is 
thought that grief at seeing so many of his friends and rela- 
tives ally themselves with the South hastened the end. 

The last entry in the journal was written in Washington 
on Christmas morning, 1860: 

"I am here alone in my room in the Clay House, having passed a 
sleepless night in wretched health, far away from my children and friends 
and unable to go to church. May the Lord be with me in my lonely 
and soUtary condition and may His blessing in Jesus Christ rest upon me 
as my necessities require and may that gracious Pro\'idence which has 
protected me all the days of my life be over and about me for the future 
and in God's own time enable me to return in peace and safetj' to my 
children in the West. 

" May the grace and spirit of God prepare me for all that may happen 
to me in the future for Christ's sake, Amen." 

One of Colonel Johnston's sons had accompanied him 
to Washington, and on leaving for New York, he gave 
instructions to be informed if his father should suffer from 
any indisposition. Almost upon his arrival, he received 
a telegram saying that Colonel Johnston was alarmingly ill, 
and on hastening to his bedside, found his father already 
gone. The body was brought back to Ohio and biu'ied at 
Piqua with civil, military and Masonic honors, February 
twenty-second, 1861. Rev. Dr. Fitch, rector of St. James 
Church, preached the funeral discourse from the following 
text: 

"Then Abraham gave up the ghost and died in a good old age; an 
old man full of years, and was gathered to his people." — Gen. 25:8. 

The inscription upon the monument in the family bury- 
ing-lot on the Johnston farm at Upper Piqua reads as 
follows: 



EARLY LIFE IN PIQUA 



107 



Col. John Johnston 

BORN 

March 25th, 1775 

DIED 

Feb. ISth, 1861 
Served the United States in various important trusts for a period of 
forty years. 

By his own desire hes buried, here close by the side of his beloved 
wife, Rachel, hoping to rise together at the resurrection of the Just. 
Life's labor done, securely laid 

In this their last retreat; 
Unheeded o'er their silent dust 
The storms of hfe shall beat. 

Speaking of Colonel John- 
ston's opinions upon the 
war, the Cincinnati Ga- 
zette said editorially, 
at the time of his 
death : 

"Sojourning tempora- 
rily in the Capitol of the 
Nation during the peril- 
ous times that are now 
upon us, it may well be 
imagined how deep and 
painful was the soUcitude 
felt by the pure and 
venerable patriot for his 
beloved country. If the 
Nation is to be rent in 
twain, he died none too 
soon, but we would he 
had Uved to see, as we 
fondly trust he would, 
its alienated parts united 
once more in the bonds of 
fraternal peace and good 
brotherhood." 




X..^.'^ 




col. JOHN Johnston's tomb 



108 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



And the same paper, in an obituary tribute, thus recalls 
him: "Most of our city readers were doubtless familiar with 
his tall, commanding and military-looking form so often seen 
promenading our streets, still unbent with the weight of 
more than four-score years; and with his pleasing and 
benevolent face that so prepossessed everyone who saw it." 

We thus bring to an end an account of a man that Ohio 
is justly proud to remember, who was, as one of his contem- 
poraries says: "A prominent landmark of the past whose life 
sheds luster upon the noble name of the present." 

Of John Johnston the same might be written which served 
as an epitaph for his Scotch kinsman and forefather. Sir John 
de Johnston, three centuries before: "He died much re- 
gretted, bemg a gentleman full of wisdom and very well in- 
clined." 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 

Estimates of his character ; Charles 
Anderson's tribute to his bravery, honesty 

AND KIND nature; THE ScOTCH-IrISH PATTER- 
SONS IN THE OLD country; LONDONDERRY; 
CHURCH TROUBLES ; CAUSES OF EMIGRATION 

FROM Scotland to Ireland, and from 
Ireland to America ; the Pattersons in 
Connecticut; in New Jersey; in Pennsyl- 
vania; THE Lindsays; Robert Patterson's 

BIRTH and boyhood. 





COL. ROBERT PATTER.SON 

"Full credit has been awarded to our own heroes 
and the cavaliers for their leadership in our history, 
nor have we been altogether blind to the deeds of the 
Hollander or Huguenot. But it is doubtful if we 
have wholly realized the importance of the part of 
that stern and virile people, the Scotch-Irish, whose 
patriots have died for the creed of Knox and Calvin." 
Theodore Roosevelt. 



becomes necessary to pause at this place, 
to write of Robert Patterson — pioneer. 



hunter, citizen and 
the earUest, bravest 
pioneers and heroes 
Great West." No 
to the biography of 
can be found than a 



soldier, legislator, 
friend: "One of 
and best of the 
who made the 
better introduction 
this remarkable man 
eulogy of him, written by the late Charles 
Anderson, of Kuttawa, Kentucky,* which, 
though it was designed as an epitaph for his monument and 
might seem to belong at the latter end of the story, so 
well epitomizes his life and character that we make it the 
beginning : 

"In memory of Robert Patterson. One of the earliest, bravest and 
best of the pioneers and heroes who made the Great West. Migrated 
to Kentucky in 1775. Founded the city of Lexington, Kentucky, as sole 
proprietor, in 1776. Marched and fought as Captain in the campaign 



112 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

under Clark, Bowman and Logan in 1779 and 1780, and as a Colonel in 
1782. He was Captain of a company in the Battle of Lower Blue Licks, 
August nineteenth, 1782, where his life was saved by the heroism of 
Aaron Reynolds. He was one of the three original proprietors and 
founders of the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, in December, 1788. 

"To this brief and maimed record of his Ufe, it might be added in 
strictest truth that a more simple, honest, guileless, loving, faithful and 
heroic man, father, citizen, patriot and Christian never migrated into the 
wilderness to contend against its savage men and beasts, to plant in their 
stead Christianity; nor labored in it with more constancy in the service 
of his God, than did the man who now sleeps beneath this too modest 
shaft." 

It is not often that a man's life wholly justifies his epi- 
taphic eulogy, but in Robert Patterson's case all records we 
have of him prove this to be no overstatement. Colonel 
Anderson says he was "simple, honest and guileless." In his 
simplicity he aimed straight at the highest ideals and clung 
to them without hypocrisy or subterfuge. In his honesty he 
rendered to ever\^ man his due, and paid his moral and social 
obligations as he did his debts, to the last penny. In his 
guilelessness he tnisted every man he met with all he owned. 

He left Lexington in 1804 because he had gone on a neigh- 
bor's bond for sLx thousand dollars and was obliged to sur- 
render his property, which he had conquered out of the 
wilderness, literalh' by the sweat of his brow, to pay that 
obligation. In connection with this incident, Ranck, in 
his History of Lexington, writes: 

" Robert Patterson was gifted with a fine mind, but like Boone, Kenton 
and many others of his simple hunter and pioneer companions, was in- 
dulgent and negligent in business matters, and hke them lost most of his 
extensive landed property by shrewd rascals." 

Colonel Anderson says Robert Patterson was "loving." 
Was he? Let the old letters answer for this; the letters 
where the home-made ink has faded into the same dim yellow 
hue as the paper, both testifj'ing to the lapse of the century 



^ 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 113 

since they were penned. There is one dated the night before 
he starts on the Bowman campaign to the Miami towns, 
written, perhaps, on his knees on a slab of wood or on a drum- 
head by the Ught of the camp fire. To whom should it be 
but to his "Eaver luvely Elizabeth," the mother of his two 
girl babies whom he has left behind in the log fort at Lexing- 
ton. He tells her he is to start on the morrow "at the head 
of one of the best regiments that ever crossed the Ohio," and 
who can tell if he will ever return ? He bequeaths his farm 
lands to her and to the children, and in an incoherent post- 
script, after signing his name for the second tune, goes on to 
say, with the age-old fatherhood rising m him, "take Becky 
and Peggy in your arms and tell them it was for father. The 
God of Heaven bless you: Farewell." 

And once again, some years later, he writes to his wife, 
who is visiting a married daughter in Lexington. It is in the 
early hours of the morning, after an aU-night vigil at the 
bedside of little Jane (whom he sometimes calls "Jain"), 
lying iU of a fever. He knows the mother-heart, five days' 
journey away, is aching with anxiety, and he writes to tell 
her the doctor says the temperature is abating and that the 
child has fallen into a quiet sleep. Through the stilted 
phraseology of the period, the quaint spelling and hardly de- 
cipherable chirography, we feel the heart-beats of a warm, 
affectionate nature. The letters of his sons and daughters 
are equally strong in their witness to his loving parenthood. 
The married children are widely scattered, but they neglect 
no opportunity of sending their dutiful love to the home roof; 
sons-in-law and daughters-in-law alike joining in the signa- 
tures, "Your affectionate children John and Rebecca," or 
"Margaret and John." 

Colonel Anderson says Robert Patterson was "faithful." 
Witness the Piqua battle-field, where he tipped 
over the pot of smoking hominy that the 




114 



CONCL'^HXlXd Till-: FOHKFATIIKHS 



Indians had left in llieir fiiglit, and tempting the soldiers 
from battle to the gratification of their appetites. " Your 
business," he said, "is to fight, not to eat," and he led on 
in the pursuit of the esoajoing savages with a stomach as 
empty and clamorous as that of his huml)lest private soldier. 

And was he also "heroic?" We have onl\' to read his 
memorial to Congress, praying in his old age 

for the pension 
fused so long as 
and able to 
self ; describ- 
engagements 
Indians; 
gunshot 
and the 
wound in 
received 
young 
twenty- 
while at- 
a difficult 
most impos- 
for the relief 
Witness that 
he volunteered 
vice while sufler- 
and pain from likenes 

And to know ter 
izen, patriot and 



which he had re- 
he was strong 
support him- 
ing his ten 
w i t li the 
his three 
w o u n d s 
tomahawk 
his side, 
w hen a 
m an of 
three, 
tempting 
and a 1 - 
sil)le journey 
of comrades, 
time and again 
for active ser- 
i n g weakness 
i OF COL. ROBERT PAT- many woimds. 
ox OF LExiNGTox that he was "cit- 
Christian," we need 




AXD DAYTOX 



only read the annals of Lexington ; how he built a school- 
house and studied in it, and a church and worshiped 
in it; how he worked and fought and voted and prayed, 
and through it all trusted in God and taught his children 
to do the same. A life so full of tlirilling adventure, good 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 115 

deeds and brave living will bear going into for the sake 
of the inspiration it must carry to the younger gener- 
ations of the same name. To do this it is necessary to ex- 
amine the early records, such as they are, relating to the 
Pattersons. 

******* 

According to the "Statistical Account of Scotland," there 
are seven families of Pattersons now in Scotland whose ar- 
morial bearings show that they are related to one another. 
Five of these families spell the name with one " t " ; one spells 
with two; and one with either one or two. Genealogists 
agree that whether with one "t" or two, they belonged to- 
gether in the beginning of things. In the struggle for popular 
rights the Pattersons, as a family, were always forward to 
take the people's side. Their cardinal principle was the 
maintenance of true religion, and that undefiled. Out of 
their ranks have stood many eminent characters in the 
affairs of both church and state. The motto of all of 
them has been "Pro Rege et Grege" — "For the king and 
the people"; meaning, that with all reverence and respect 
for existing civic institutions, the Pattersons have always 
felt a sympathy for society in the mass; an interest in 
people who had no armorial bearings, and who stood for 
themselves and asked no favors of any one. And in times 
when to be in the upper minority was of necessity to per- 
secute the lower majority, who knows but the Pattersons 
preferred healthy nonconformity to pampered acquiescence? 
valued their own opinions above their ancestral estates? 
It was, doubtless, this instinct, independent of progress, 
which drove them out of the Old World into the New. 

To begin with, they departed from the Established 
Church. This meant trouble not to be evaded. The church 
bore heavily upon all dissenters. The Pattersons, with 
many other Presbyterians, fled from Scotland to the 



116 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

North of Ireland. Here peace to worship in their own 
way seemed possible for a time. But the Established 
Church was like the Throne: they were twin towers of 
bigotry and despotism. The King, James I, enacted se- 
verely restrictive measures as to commerce and agricul- 
ture. Fearing the growth of linen manufacture in Ire- 
land, he introduced indirect but effectual means to limit 
the growing of flax. Sheep were taxed so heavih^ as to 
destroy all profit on the manufacture of w^ool. Thus the 
two best means of livelihood were discountenanced. No 
dissenters were allowed to hold pubhc office ; all church 
services but those conducted by the Anghcan clergy were 
forbidden; marriages were illegal under any but the pre- 
scribed office. The people were thus subjected to severe 
spiritual persecution and coercion. The country was appor- 
tioned into bishoprics. The bishops were imperious and 
the people obstinate. The Presbyterians worshiped at the 
peril of their lives. If the clouds of persecution lightened 
on the other side of the Channel, there took place a reactive 
emigration back to Scottish shores, where they could hear 
Calvinistic sermons on Calvinistic soil. So these stanch and 
wiry Christians went back and forth across the Channel, 
moved by the emergency of the moment; sometimes crossing 
in open boats to have their babies baptized or their dead 
buried. 

John Patterson, the probable ancestor of all the Pennsyl- 
vania Pattersons, was born in 1640. Giving up his home in 
Scotland he went to Londonderry and took with him his wife 
and two sons. A worse time for choosing a new home could 
not have been selected. It was on the eve of the heaviest 
blow to be struck at Ireland and Irish blood. James II be- 
sieged Londonderry with his English troops. The history of 
that tragic event is told in Hume and Macaula}'', the story of 
weeks of suffering and hardshij) patiently and nobly borne. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 117 

John Patterson and his family suffered cruelly. Provisions 
ran so low that a mere handful of dried peas remained to 
the whole family. Mrs. Patterson apportioned them: ten 
peas to each of the children and five apiece to herself and 
husband. Afterwards they ate grass and putrid meat, but 
never suggested giving up their city or their rights to Eng- 
land. One boy, the son of a neighbor, was found dead with 
his mouth full of grass. John Patterson in his old age used 
to gather his grandchildren around him and tell them never 
to forget to be thankful when they sat down to a table with 
plenty to eat. Then he would describe how hard it was, 
when wanting good bread and milk, to have no food but grass. 
That these things were borne to avoid yielding to unjust per- 
secution was always explained to the children; and thus 
was fostered that spirit of uncompromising steadfastness to 
principle which marked the Pattersons in their new home a 
century later. 

John Patterson had a son, Robert, who was a half-grown 
boy at the time of the siege, and of this Robert we have a 
story which is characteristic of certain family traits. At this 
time, about 1675, in Ireland every landowner was obliged 
to serve as warden in the church, if called upon; and the re- 
fusal incurred a penalty of five pounds sterling. It was the 
thrifty plan of the church authorities to select some stiff- 
necked Presbyterian and elect him warden, with a view to 
adding to the church revenues through the medium of an 
obstinate dissenting conscience. Robert Patterson was elected 
warden. He loved his own church and was loyal to it, 
but, like aU dissenting Irishmen, had no spare five pounds to 
spend on fines. How was he to reconcile his finances and his 
ethics? The warden's chief duty was to take up the collec- 
tion, which in those days occurred early in the service. The 
office was accepted and the worthy seceder (who hated the 
Litany as the devil is said to hate holy water, if so disre- 



118 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



spcctful a comparison may be allowed) stayed outside of 
the church door until prayers had l:)een read; then appearing 
decorously with his long-handled black l:»ag, he passed it up 
and down the aisles in true churchman-like manner. Re- 
turning the alms and oblations to the minister and retiring 
to a back seat under the gallery, he watched his opportunity 
to make off across the fields to his own meeting-house, to his 
Presbj^terian sermon and the safety of his soul. Thus he 
fulfilled his civic and ecclesiastical ol)ligations, and at the 
same time saved his conscience and his purse. Although the 
Pattersons have long since returned to the Anglican faith of 
their earliest forebears, this story well illustrates their per- 
sistence in their own opinions. 

Robert Patterson, son of the John Patterson of the siege 
of Londonderry and hero of the thrifty incident above men- 




THK PROGRESS OF THE PATTERSON'S P'ROM THE LANDING OF THE EMI- 
GRANT ANCESTOR IN CONNECTICUT IX 1728 TO THE SETTLE- 
MENT OF THE FAMILY IN DAYTON, OHIO, IN 1804. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 119 

tioned, had ten children, six of whom early emigrated to 
America. Of the four who remained, John Patterson (great- 
grandfather of Robert Patterson, of Lexington and Dayton) 
returned to Scotland during one of those tides of emigration 
from shore to shore, and "from there joined the artillery 
and went back to Ireland in defense of Protestantism." 

John Patterson, the emigrant ancestor, though an old man 
at this time, with grown and married children, felt the pull 
toward the new country. He had a considerable tract of 
grazing land on Donegal Bay, together with milling interests, 
and it was a difficult experience to transplant both family 
and business to a new soil. In 1723 his holdings had been 
disposed of and preparations to start were all made, when 
Mary, his wife, died, and this delayed matters some years 
longer. In the meantime several of John's children, with 
their families, had sailed for New England, leaving behind 
the father with an unmarried daughter, his son Robert and 
wife Margaret, with their six children. At last this remnant 
of the family also left the shores of Ireland behind them and 
landed on the Connecticut coast near New London in the 
spring of 1728.* The first of the Pattersons who came over 
had settled in the northeast part of the State. The father 
John (emigrant John), and son Robert (afterwards of Lan- 
caster), decided to go farther south. It took them, according 
to the family records, two years to cross the State. They 
settled on the way, raised a crop of corn and then moved on 
farther west and south. The family party in wagons were 
as follows: the emigrant ancestor, John Patterson, and his 
middle-aged single daughter, whose name has not been pre- 
served; Robert (of Lancaster), his son, Robert's wife, Mar- 
garet, and their children ; John, aged thirteen (ancestor of the 
Shaker Pattersons); Mary, eleven, Francis (of Bedford), 



* Death of one of the children at the Hudson River in 1730 " two years after arrival of the family 
in Connecticut," recorded in old family Bible in possession of the late John Patterson, founder of 
Watervliet, Shaker Village, Greene Co., Ohio. 




120 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

nine (afterwards father of Robert 
Patterson, of Lexington); William, 
seven; Robert, four; and Thomas, 
a baby. Another daughter, whose 
name is not known, was next older 
than William. Several more children were born to Robert 
and Margaret after they came to America; Ann was l)orn 
in New Jersey in 1732. 

The Patterson family crossed the Hudson in the fall of 
1730 and proceeded south through New Jersey as they had 
through Connecticut. While "cropping" thus through New 
Jersey, Father John Patterson, the emigrant, died at the 
age of seventy-three. Ashley Brown writes: "His will, a 
brief, unique document, probably never recorded, yet never 
questioned by the heirs, distributing personal belongings, 
including mone}', came into the hands of his great-grandson, 
John Patterson, founder of Watervliet, with documents show- 
ing holdings in the old country, a clearance or passport for 
the family, memoranda of sales, etc., of no money value, yet 
data that would now be rated as great treasures." 

After the death of John Patterson, his spinster daughter 
left the family party for a home of her own in a cabin near 
the Patterson farm and lived alone until her death, some years 
later. The next move of the family was into Pennsylvania. 
They spent several years in Bucks and Lancaster Counties, 
then in 1738 crossed the Susquehanna into York County and 
lived near Hanover; then, returning to Lancaster County, 
Robert purchased land on Sweet Arrow Creek; and "Sweet 
Arrow Farm," as the Patterson home, became as widely 
known as is the " Rubicon Farm" near Dayton, one hundred 
and sixty years later. The names of John, Francis and Wil- 
liam, sons of Robert of Lancaster, will be found enrolled for 
miUtary services in the fort companies or troopers of York 
and Lancaster Counties. Eight of these children of Robert 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 



121 




and Margaret Patterson lived 
to maturity, and most of 
them acquired homes in Pennsylvania. 
William married a Virginia girl and they 
joined her people south of the Potomac in 
Berkeley County; some records say Fred- 
erick County. This William, as a "minute- 
man," took part in the Battle of the Cowpens, 
his brothers Francis and Robert marching in 
reenforcements when halted by the news of 
Colonel Morgan's glorious victory. One of 
Robert Patterson's daughters married and 
lived in Maryland. Mary married and 
moved to the Pennsylvania frontier with 
her brothers, Francis (father of Robert, of 
Lexington) and Thomas, leaving the Sweet 
Arrow farm in order to make their home 
together in the Cove Mountain neigh- 
borhood.* 

The "Pennsylvania frontier" was 
at that time what is now known as 
Bedford County, which then included 
the whole western area of the State. 

From 1720 to 1750 there was a flood 
of emigration pouring into Pennsylvania 
from Ireland ; some twelve thousand came 



* All this narrative concerning the early history of the Penn- 
sylvania Pattersons was collected by Catherine P. Brown and 
given to her son Henry L. Brown, and is now in 
the possession of Ashley Brown. 




122 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

over each year from the North of Ireland. They collected in 
and about Donegal, Paxtang, Derry, Hanover, Perry and 
Cumberland Counties. These parts had already been largely 
settled b}' the Quakers, to whom there could be no greater 
contrast than the energetic, turbulent, tenacious Scotch-Irish 
with the memory of religious persecutions heating the blood 
in their veins. In 1740 these districts in Pennsylvania con- 
tained four times the population they now do; so steadily 
and consistently has the tide of migration worked westward. 

The Scotch-Irish found in the wooded mountains of Penn- 
sylvania a free and glorious refuge from the religious troubles 
of the mother country. They crossed the rivers, climbed the 
hills, and the smoke from their cabins waved a pennant to 
the breeze of the wilderness. Among them no name is more 
familiar than that of Patterson. Five unrelated families of 
the name were settled about the same time in the Cumberland 
Valley. As to the characteristics of the Pattersons as a race, 
all authorities unite in calling them men of undaunted cour- 
age and firmness of resolve. In later records we find a differ- 
ent phraseology, indicating that some of the Patterson virtues 
had gone to seed. A writer discussing them in 1815 describes 
them as a "pugnacious and pertinacious race, given to fight- 
ing and stubborn to the end." This is a different way of 
telling the same story. We need not ])e surprised at the 
change of diction. The bishops in Ireland and the Indians 
on the frontier had not, between them, sweetened the Patter- 
son temper. 

The two brothers, Francis and Thomas, secured a tract 
of fairly level land extending as a "cove," or small flat 
valley, back into the fastness of Big Cove Mountain, three 
sides of the land a dense forest of heavy timber, with a stream, 
Patterson Creek, on the eastern boundary. The ground was 
fertile, and coal, iron ore and stone were to be found for the 
digging. The cal)in,])arn and cribs stood near a military road 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 123 

cut through the mountains. At this time Francis Patterson 
was thirty-one years old. He had married Jane when he 
left the Sweet Arrow farm in Lancaster County, she being 
some years younger. The younger brother, Thomas, lived 
with them and was killed by the Indians six years later. 

Five children were born to Francis and Jane Patterson: 
Francis, Robert (the Colonel Robert, of Lexington), Jane, 
Mary, and a babe who died young. Robert, the second child, 
was born at nine o'clock in the morning of March twenty- 
third, 1753.* 

Catherine P. Brown and Culbertson Patterson say, in 
their notes, of Francis Patterson of Bedford : f 

" He had been given discharge from the Lancaster mihtary company, 
but with Thomas was granted indefinite leave of absence on their removal 
to the Big Cove, then transferred to the Bedford Rangers when organized 
in 1755. Two years previous, as a frontiersman, he had been ordered for 
a tour of duty at Fort Ligonier, leaving his wife, Jane, and their two sons, 
Francis, two years old, and Robert, four months, well provided in the 
cabin. 

" Bedford County in the early day comprisctl all Western Pennsylvania, 
forty years later sending many prominent famihes to settle in Kentucky 
and Ohio. The Pattersons, Francis, Thomas and Mary, were near Bed- 
ford Springs, owning rich tracts surrounded by heavy timbered moun- 
tains. Patterson Creek, empt}dng into the Juniata, was named for them. 
Their cabin homes, two miles apart, formed the outpost on the Indian 
trail leading from the Potomac to the Ohio River. 

"Jane, mother of Robert, died when he was just passed three years, 
and within a few months, a short time previous to General Braddock's 
ill-fated campaign, Robert's uncle Thomas, while on an expedition against 
the Indians, was ambushed and killed. 

"Francis Patterson's cares were grievous, with four little children 
to provide for, cattle to look after, and hable at any hour to be called 
for mihtary duty. His second wife was Catherine Perry, daughter of a 
family who had come to Fort Bedford with the British troops that 
continued as the garrison at that point for twelve years. For five 

*Jlaiuiscript compiled by the late Henry L. Brown from reminiscences of William Nisbet and 
John Patterson. In the i>o.ssession of Ashley Brown. 
+ H. L. B. papers. 



124 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



years, 1758 to 1763, Francis and his brother Robert* of Lancaster County- 
were in almost constant mounted service on the frontier." 

William Nisbet wrote: 

" Catherine Patterson proved to be a noble woman and mother, affec- 
tionately remembered for her loving care by her stepson, Robert Patter- 
son, all of his life. She knew no difference between the little ones she 
found in the cabin she entered as a bride, and the larger number that came 
after, and Robert's heart was always filled with a son's love for her. 

"The children hved out of doors, their playground limited by danger 
from bears and wolves. Robert grew to be a helpful boy to father and 
mother around the cabin and barn, in field and clearing. 

"The military spirit began to develop in the boy (Robert) at the 
age of ten, at the time of the Indian uprising under Pontiac. The 
Patterson home was on the Military Road, and Francis and Robert were 
deeply intere.sted in the movement of troops, artillery and pack trains 
under Colonel Boquet, the boys dividing their time between home chores, 
school and the camps. Robert, bright, practical, always planning for 
something, forehanded, enjoying and studying everything that came along, 
early acquired skill as a hunter with bow and arrow, and like other 

•Uncle of Cnlonel Rnhprt, 




FALLING SPKINGS, WHERE 

IT EMPTIES INTO THE 

CONOCOCHE.A.GUE 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 125 

boys of Bedford at the age of fifteen, equipped himself for mount and drill 
with the troopers, although too young for enrollment in the 'Bucktails.' 

" Francis Patterson operated a tannery while milling and cattle raising, 
and his sons brought in deer skins and pelts of smaller game and 'var- 
mints' from hunting trips up the mountains, to add to the store. The 
boys tanned the skins for their own uniforms of caps, hunting shirts, 
leggins and moccasins. Eight months of the year the boys wore only 
homespun knee breeches and hunting shirts. 

"The change had come, Robert a man at the age of sixteen, skilled 
in woodcraft, able with rifle and traps to maintain himself in the forest 
for months, inspired with desire for service with surveyors, seeking con- 
sent of father and mother that he go out into the world to do for himself. 
Settlers were pushing through the mountains into western Virginia, 
movers passing the Patterson lands en route to the Upper Ohio, and 
Robert longed to go with them to the frontier. George Washington, 
leading a party of explorers, camped at Bedford Springs in October, 1770, 
and Robert Patterson appHed for a position as hunter, or in any capacity, 
but the party had been made up. Washington at that time crossed to 
the Ohio and descended to the mouth of the Great Kanawha, or from 
some accounts as far down as the Big Sandy River. 

" The Patterson cabin had given place to a roomy stone dwelling, and 
that was filled with babies. Besides Robert, his brother and two sisters, 
came Wilham, Arthur, Mary, Thomas and three others, and after Robert 
left, two were added."* 

It will be interesting, in the light of later events, to know 
something of the friends and neighbors that the Pattersons 
had in their Pennsylvania home. The Lindsay family, into 
which Robert Patterson married, were educated, well-to-do 
people, who had landed at Philadelphia when Andrew Hamil- 
ton was deputy governor under the proprietary government 
of the colony. Intending to locate on Virginia tobacco land 
in the beginning, they changed their plans, remained in 
Pennsylvania and prospered. William Lindsay, the grand- 
father of Mrs. Robert Patterson, born on shipboard, became 
the head of that branch of the family that settled on the 
banks of the Conococheague. 

* H. L. B. papers. 



126 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

Where the swift, clear waters of FaUing Springs drop over 
a rocky ledge into the Conococheague were built the first 
cabins of the settlement called by that name. From 1730 to 
1740 the influx of settlers was great. During the month of 
September, 1736, a thousand families are said to have sailed 
from Belfast, bound for this particular strip of country. Of 
course they had trouble with the Indians, immediate and 
incessant. The Cumberland Valley was occupied by the Six 
Nations, who regarded the settlers with warrantable jealous^^ 
A letter from Benjamin Chambers to the inhabitants of the 
Lower Cumberland Valle}', dated at Falling Springs, Novem- 
ber second, 1755, says: "The Great Cove is destroyed. One 
hundred Indians of the Delawares and Shawanoese have 
attacked it. All the homes are in flames." 

This communication is of interest because the 
William Lindsay family was then in 
this vicinity and the Pattersons 
lived at Big Cove. The 
home-despoiled settlers came 
up to Falling Springs and 
were anticipating more at- 
tacks of the same kind. 
Colonel Chambers had con- 
structed a stone fort for the 

FALLING SPRINGS CHURCH, WHERE 

THE LINDSAYS WORSHIPED AND Safety of hls own family and 

WHERE ELIZABETH LINDSAY hls ucighbors. It was at the 
Patterson's father and „ e ,, t-^ n- 

MOTHER ARE BURIED coufluence of the Falling 

Springs and the Conococh- 
eague, and it must ha^■e been quite a feudal enclosure, for 
the stockade embraced several dwelling-houses and a flour and 
sawmill. The fort proper (with the mill attachment) was a 
large stone building two stories high, with the water of Falling 
Springs running under it. This gave safe access to the water 
and power to the mill-wheels. The windows were small to 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 127 

keep out hostile arrows, and the garrison boasted two four- 
pound cannon brought from Philadelphia. The State Rec- 
ords say: "Almost all the neighboring families found shelter 
here for some time." Therefore we may conclude that 
the Lindsays, and perhaps Francis Patterson with his 
family, lived in this fort for some months. 
William Nisbet says: 

"William Lindsay, Jr., was born in 1738; married Margaret Ewing, each 
aged twenty. Mr. Lindsay, a stock raiser, gave attention and profits to the 
purchase of land, caring for and educating a large family, a man of wealth 
and influence, owning the Falling Springs in Franklin County, Pa., and the 
land on either side of that creek, the entire course, and operating the mills . 

" Elizabeth, daughter of William and Margaret, was born in the Falling 
Springs house in 1760. 

"As Robert Patterson grew up he visited at the Lindsay home, learn- 
ing to know and love his future wife. Elizabeth's brother William and 
Robert Patterson had been friends as boys, and when Robert's fame as 
an Indian fighter and the story of his wounds and sufTering reached the 
Lindsay house, William made a trip over to Bedford to see him. Rob- 
ert's return visit led to other visits, the graceful sister of his friend being 
the chief attraction. No more welcome guest had ever been entertained 
in the Lindsay home, the wounded hero lover wooing the daughter,* 
shaping the future of the entire family, two of the sons going with him 
into the army, and later, three of the sons and two daughters following 
Robert into his far-off Kentucky home." 

Robert also went back to his grandfather's farm on Sweet 
Arrow, in Lancaster County. William Nisbet was his closest 
friend and associate, the friendship lasting throughout life 
and to the end of the later years in Ohio. WilUam Nisbet's 
son married Robert Patterson's daughter, and it is from this 
son's record of his father's story and from the same as told 
by Shaker John Patterson, of Watervliet, that we know what 
we do of Robert Patterson's boyhood. Henry L. Brown 
writes: f 



*This was after his iournev to Kentucky and return up the Ohio River, where he was .shot by 
the Indians. 

t H. L. B. papers. 




128 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

" Owning horse, rifle and equipment, nothing pleased Robert so well 
as hunting expeditions, the furthest into the forests and most venture- 
some, the better to his liking. ' The bearskin cap, coat and leggins he 
wore in the winters he was at Sweet Arrow,' said John, 'were trophies 
of a hunt along the Maryland border with his father. Of fine form and 
figure, quick in movement, hard worker, slow of speech, a good Hstener, 
anxious to learn. What time he had for study was given to books on sur- 
veying, and he would walk or ride miles to meet a corps at work. Sol- 
diers or others who had been beyond the mountains were heroes in Rob- 
ert's estimation. Agreeable to pledge, he promptly enrolled in the Lan- 
caster Mounted Rifles, but soon engaged with a corps of surveyors, the 
turning point in his career.' . . ' Enjoying the work and association, 
gaining instruction in the field so long anxiously sought, he drifted away 
from father's,' said his cousin John, 'with intention of crossing the Alle- 
ghenies for a frontier life. He returned to Sweet Arrow one or two 
winters (1772 and '73), and again after service under Governor Dunmore 
(1774), filled with enthusiasm over experiences, and determined to emi- 
grate to the rich country down the Ohio of wliich he had learned from 
the returned prospectors with whom he had served against the Indians.' " 

In another record we find that "John Patterson, of 
Shaker Village, Watervliet, near Dayton, Ohio, remembered 
well his father's story of Robert's arrival from Bedford 
County at 'Sweet Arrow' for a winter's visit, cut short by 
offer of work in a tannery. This was when William Xisbet 
and Robert Patterson became such close friends, and it was 
Robert who induced the Nisbets to move West, aiding them 
in selection of land in Fayette County, Kentucky, which land 
they occupied until the removal to Twin Creek* in Ohio, 
about the year 1805. They were proud of the association 
with Robert, often referring to him as leader of the younger 
men of Lancaster County, ever ready for the forest adven- 
tures, fearless and cool under all circumstances. "f 

Thus early was Robert Patterson proclaiming by his per- 
sonality that he belonged to the master class. 

Of the other branches of the Patterson family in Pennsyl- 

' New LexlDRton, Preble Couuty, twenty miles west of Dayton. 
tFrom Dr. Patterson Nisbet's record; H. L. B. papers. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 129 

vania at that time little can be told. Times were too 
full of the troubles with the Indians and of the effort to wrest 
a living from the soU, to leave much tangible record. Francis 
Patterson, of Bedford, was evidently a prosperous farmer and 
tanner, as we find his name on a number of tax lists from 1751 
to 1787 (at which later date he emigrated to Kentucky), as 
well as dates and location of property j^urchased by him. 
We find also an unpublished petition in which he joined 
with others in a memorial to the Supreme Executive Council 
relative to the appointing of a civil magistrate. His signa- 
ture shows him to be a man of force and education. 
Robert Patterson, uncle to our Robert, listed among the 
" taxables " in Cumberland County m 1751 . Arthur Patterson, 
of Lancaster County, was in the Fifth Pennsylvania Conti- 
nental Line under Captain Taylor, and was wounded at 
Brandywine. His name appears on a list of members of 
the Rocky Spring Presbyterian Church at Chambersburg in 
1786. This was the uncle from whom Arthur Patterson, 
the third son of Francis (whose descendants now live at 
Shelb3rville, Ky.), was named. 

It is a coincidence that the other grandfather in this book, 
John Johnston, lived in the same locality in Pennsylvania 
when he emigrated from Ireland. The Johnstons settled near 
Cove Mountain, not more than a score of miles from the 
Patterson home. The early associations of both men were 
in the same vicinity, (though at different periods,) namely, the 
country near and about Chambersburg, Carlisle, Harrisburg, 
Shearman's Valley and Cove Mountain. Thus, neighbors in 
the old country (for Londonderry and Donegal are side by 
side in the Irish north country), the Pattersons and the John- 
stons clamied the same vState for their American home, and 
when the frontier instinct drew them further west, they again 
met in the Ohio valleys, and their descendants still people 
the land of that great State. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON— (Continued) 

The Pennsylvania Rangers; Lord Dun- 
more's War; scenes on the Pickaway Plains; 
Patterson returns to his home and makes a 

FRESH start; JOURNEY TO FoRT PiTT AND VOY- 
AGE DOWN THE Ohio; settlement at Royal 
Springs; the camp at Lexington; threatened 
troubles with the indians; british en- 
COURAGEMENT OP them; Robert Patterson's 

PERILOUS JOURNEY UP THE OhIO; IS WOUNDED BY 
THE savages; RETURN TO KENTUCKY AND FINAL 

Settlement of Lexington. 




CHAPTER VI 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON— Continued 



"Their silence, their cunning and stealth, 
their terrible prowess and merciless cruelty make it 
no figure of speech to call them the tigers of the 
human race. . . . Tireless, careless of all hard- 
ship they came silently out of unknown forests, robbed 
and murdered and then disappeared again into the 
fathomless depths of the woods. . . . Wrapped 
in the mantle of the unknown, appalling by their 
craft, their ferocity, their fiendish cruelty, they 
seemed to the white settlers devils, not men." 

Theodore Roosevelt. 

HE beginning of the year 1774 saw increased 
activity of all kinds in the vicinity of Fort 
Pitt. Settlers, traders and adventurers 
were pushing in from the East, demanding 
land for homes, and allying themselves with 
whichever faction or party seemed to offer the 
greatest advantage. Boundary controversies 
waxed hot between British and Americans, and the 
promise of military activity attracted many adven- 
turers in search of glory or excitement. An expedition into 
the Indian country northwest of the Ohio was talked of, and 
the presence of Lord Dunmore, Governor of Virginia, with a 

133 




134 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

body of troops at Cumberland attracted many recruits. 
Robert Patterson enrolled in a company of Permsylvania 
Rangers for six months' scouting service. 

In Henry L. Brown's recollections he says: 
"In giving his army service, Robert Patterson usually began the story 
of his life with the statement of his enrollment in the Lancaster Rifles 
or Troopers. He was occupied with drilling and camping until the spring 
of 1772, when he left for the West with a company of surveyors. En- 
rolling in the Rangers, he was in camp in June, 1774, and marched with 
Governor Dunmore to Fort Pitt, Daniel Boone having been dispatched 
to the Falls of the Ohio to warn surveyors of the Indian uprising. The 
Rangers, fifty strong, 'the eyes of the army,' were thrown across the 
Ohio for scouting service, and did not return or recross the river at any 
point until winter, their orders being to follow the trail due west, and com- 
municate with the army at Wheeling Creek (Fort Fincastle). Thus, at 
the age of twenty-one, my grandfather had opportunity to show the stuff 
that was in him. 

"The movement from Fort Pitt did not occur until September, Gover- 
nor Dunmore changing the rendezvous to Fort Fincastle, a new base of 
operations for the Rangers, with reinforcement, including Simon Kenton, 
James Harrod, David Perry, Robert McClellan, Daniel Boone, Benjamin 
Logan and other splendid men, who, as the future developed, were to be 
associates of Robert Patterson through the perils of western warfare, and 
friends through life. With orders to meet the army at the mouth of the 
Hockhocking by October first, the Rangers, sixty daring men, plunged 
into the dense forest, following the broad trail to the Muskingum. They 
avoided villages, concealed their strength from war parties, and scarcely 
more than exchanged shots with the hostiles. Robert Patterson's horse 
had been killed, and for two days on foot he kept pace with the advance, 
since to straggle meant sure death. Others lost horses, and two of the 
Rangers were wounded. The company could halt only over night in the 
bivouac on the Muskingum to graze horses, then changing course headed 
first down the river thirty or forty miles, then directly south over the 
hiUs to the Ohio, where near the Hockhocking the army lay in camp con- 
structing Fort Gower. Procuring horses for the dismounted, the Rangers 
rode up the Hockhocking twenty-five miles, and waiting orders made 
camp, but were on scout every day while Dunmore communicated wdth 
General Lewis at Point Pleasant on the Kanawha. About the fifteenth 
of October the advance of the Rangers intercepted General Lewis with 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 



135 



orders to halt within two days' march of the Scioto villages. The cross 
purposes of the two commanders causing delay here, and the subsequent 
treaty with the Shawanoese and Mingoes, are matters of history." 

Robert Patterson's own account is as follows: 

" General Lewis disregarded the order, and we rode with him to Congo 
Creek, where Governor Dunmore and staff came up, uniting the army of three 
thousand two hundred, a fine body. We erected Fort Charlotte on Sippo 
Creek, ten miles from Congo camp; then the Rangers were called in. In the 
days scouting all over the Pickaway Plains, we enjoyed fruit from the Indian 
orchards and vines, and corn, beans and fresh meat all we could want. 
We rested inside the fortress at night, being free of guard duty, and made 
forced trades with the warriors for better horses and blankets such as 
we might fancy. We had a rollicking time for two weeks or more, and 
held the Shawanoese, Wyandot, Delaware and Mingoes in the circle until 
the treaty v/as agreed, the Indians giving up the Kentucke hunting 
grounds. Not a shot was fired in the Scioto region except on two days 
ride under Colonel Crawford against a Mingo village whose War Chief 




FORT PITT 



i l] i 



136 CONCERNIiNG THE FORKl ATHICRS 

would not surrender. Here we had a small battle, took some prisoners, 
and plenty of meat and corn carried on captive horses." 

This event, trivial as it appears, is called by Roosevelt 
" The opening act of the drama that closed at Yorktown." 

Daniel Boone wrote of the Scioto villages: "The banks 
of this lovely stream were lined with Indian villages in a high 
state of prosperity; corn fields waving luxuriantly around 
humble dwellings, the red men living at peace with each 
other, relying far more upon produce of the soil than upon 
the chase for support." 

During the time thus spent at Pickaway Plains, Robert 
Patterson first heard from Boone, Kenton, Harrod and Logan 
of the endless expanse of unoccupied lands in Kentucky. 
Their accounts of the abundance of game, fields of wild cane, 
fertility of soil and glorious climate; their descrij^tions of the 
herds of buffalo, browsing elk and deer in the rich lands, so 
favorably impressed him, that when George Rogers Clark, in 
camp at Fort Charlotte, sought to interest the 3'oung men in 
a proposed expedition for the next spring, Robert Patterson 
led his comrades in the enterprise with enthusiasm. 

In November the Rangers were ordered to return to Fort 
Pitt by way of Muskingum Falls, thence to follow the war 
trace through the hills east, accompanied by a large number 
of Indians leading horses carrying provisions, furs and corn. 
Dunmore and Lewis reached the Ohio River opposite the 
mouth of the Kanawha, and leaving General Lewis at Point 
Pleasant, Dunmore proceeded up the Ohio to garrison Fort 
Henry and Fort Pitt. The Rangers coming to Fort Pitt 
later were disbanded in January, 1775, and Robert Patterson 
returned to his father's home in Bedford County. Later he 
went to Sweet Arrow farm, in Lancaster County, his grand- 
father's homestead. Writing of the with- 
drawal from the Scioto, he said : * 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 137 

" The Rangers covered many miles through dense forests over rough 
mountains to guard against treachery. I planned to go to Kentucke 
with Kenton and others, and often through the winter talked about it 
with Robert McClellan, forming for an expedition, most of us to take up 
lands." 

The project, with possibihties and dangers to be faced, 
was considered in all its bearings. A journey of six hundred 
miles into an enemy's country seemed a serious undertaking 
to both the parents and the boys. Robert Patterson was 
determined on the expedition, and wished his brother William 
to accompany him; but the latter was under age, and was 
persuaded by their mother to remain at home. William, 
however, made the Kentucky trip four years later, and it 
shall be told how he found his brother's claim, lived on 
it, and became the farmer of the family as Robert was 
its soldier. 

Bedford had by this time ceased to be important as either 
a military or a trading point. The chief structure, the quaint 
old stone court-house, built during the reign of George III, 
was intact. British troops had evacuated the fort, and 
the log houses erected eighteen years before for the accom- 
modation of the officers were now empty. The tide of 
empire had taken its habitual course Westward, leaving the 
Pennsylvania hills lonely. The dozen other cabins of the 
village were occupied by families, and one or more trading 
houses supplied the country about with goods, utensils, pow- 
der and lead, in exchange for furs and wild meat. Bedford, 
however, would never again be anything but a village. 
Moving parties were constantly passing through, wagon and 
pack-horses transporting stores to troops on the frontier. 
Francis Patterson operated a tannery at this time, the sons 
learning the trade with him ; this, with clearing a little more 
land each year, farming and raising cattle, made a busy 
family Ufe. 



138 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



In the spring of 1775 Robert Patterson made the definite 
start in Ufe which meant so much to himself and to his de- 
scendants. He withdrew finally from the home that had 
sheltered him from boyhood, and parted from his family with 
high hopes for the future 
a contract which involved 
present of a horse and 
a ^^^ complete 
out ^^^^k fit, a suit 
clothes ^^^^^ a barrel 




flour and 
head of cat- 
to the young 
turer, and on 
part, his agree- 
pre-e-mpt a 
acres of land 
name in the 
Kentucky, 
left his 
in Pennsyl- 

worldly *-*'" goods and chattels, 
to his own declaration, consisted of a 
powder-horn, his horse and saddle, 
he wore. To this may he added a share in a drove of 
cattle which was the first ever brought to Kentucky. 
Earlier settlers had driven in cows, sheep and hogs 
singly, but Robert Patterson was the first man to bring 
a drove of stock for commercial purposes. His share 
amounted to nine horses and fourteen cows. 

Nisbet, McConnell and Perry accompanied Patterson on 
the way to Fort Pitt. All were well mounted (for even then 



Father and son made 

on one part a 

saddle, a gun, 

hunting 

of 

of 

few 

tie 

adven- 

the other 

ment to 

thousand 

in =-^his father's 

new State of 

When Robert 

father's home 

vania, his 

according 

gun, shot pouch, 

and the clothes 



* This arrang:emeut is described in a deposition made by Robert Patterson in 1787. when the title 
to the land in question was in litigation. Lexington (Kentucky) Court House, Fayette County 
Records. See Appendix. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 



139 



young Robert had begun to develop his love for horses); 
they carried clothing in saddle-bags, and were armed and 
equipped for bivouac, expecting to join some party for the 
voyage down the Ohio in boats. Harrod, Boone, Kenton, 
Williams and Logan were already in Kentucky. The Pat- 
terson party passed the summer at Fort Pitt, but not in 
idleness. By fall a strong company had been made up, and 
the gathering of seed and provisions began. While some were 
building covered boats, "broad-horns," as they were called, 
Robert Patterson and two others penetrated deep 

into the forest, and 
spent nearly a 
month shooting 
bear and deer for 
provisions upon 
the journey. 
They were success- 
ful, two trips with 
pack-horses being re- 
quired for transportation 
of " jerk," pelts and fat to the boats, where the furs and 
skins were exchanged for winter supplies. One hundred 
dollars is said to have been the monetary value of this 
commercial transaction. 

The party, which included John McClellan and family, 
Robert Patterson, William McConnell, Francis McConnell, Sr., 
Francis McConnell, Jr., David Perry, Stephen Lowry and one 
other, started down the river early in October of 1775. The 
boats were partly housed against the winter with gunwales 
of heavy planks for protection against Indian bullets, and 
each man armed with rifle, tomahawk and knife. Cooking 
utensils and scant cabin furniture were stowed away, and 
concealed under meat and shelled corn were the surplus 
powder and lead. In one boat were fourteen head of cattle. 




EMIGRANT BOAT OF PIONEERS 



\ 



140 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

in the other nine horses. The boats lay by overnight at 
Fort Henry, Grove Creek and Point Pleasant, but dared not 
again touch shore until landing at vSalt Lick (Vanceburg), 
Ky., at the end of the two weeks' voyage. 

Bands of Indians had been seen at several points along the 
Indian shore, but the boats passed in safety, the men on 
guard every minute day and night. It was once stated by an 
Indian chief that never a boat-load of whites came down the 
Ohio River that was not watched from the beginning to the 
end of the journey by the jealous savages hidden along the 
banks. In the constant and ever-increasing stream of set- 
tlers they foresaw the loss of their own hunting-grounds and 
the annihilation of their race. The wonder is that any party 
was allowed to reach its destination vmmolested. The 
McClellan party, however, met with no adventures. The 
landscape rolled by, charming them with its beauty. " Those 
broad rich acres of blue grass pastures, luxuriant forests and 
clear streams were, in the Shawanoese language, ' Kan-tuck- 
ee,' or 'at the head of the river.'"* 

At the mouth of Salt Creek the party separated, the fami- 
lies and canoes continuing on their way down the Ohio River, 
while the young men, Patterson, Lowry, Perry and William 
McConnell, taking a short cut, followed the creek to its source, 
They crossed Cabin Creek and struck Stone Lick,where Francis 
McDremond afterwards pre-empted his claim; thence to the 
lower Blue Licks, where they met Simon Kenton, so famous 
in Indian warfare, and John Williams, the only white men, 
to their knowledge, in the country. Another long march 
through primeval wilderness brought the young explorers 
across the Licking and smaller branches of the Elkhorn to 
Leestown, where, after some delay, they met the canoes and 
the McClelland party. 

*See John Johuston's article on Indian nomenclature in the Archceologia Americana, Vol. I, 
p. 2<19. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 141 

While grazing the cattle at the Blue Licks, Robert Patter- 
son enjoyed his first sight of buffalo, the herds moving south 
in advance of winter. He there killed a big buffalo bull, and 
one of the other hunters killing a calf, they made their first 
meal of fresh meat in three weeks. 

It is to be wished that a picture of the party could be 
inserted opposite this page, but it was a century too soon for 
the snap-shot camera. The imagination must sujjply the de- 
tails. A contemporary historian will help us to do this: 

" Clothed in their quaint pioneer style of buckskin trousers, deer-skin 
leggins, linsey hunting shirt and peltry cap, and armed each with a 
trusty flint-lock rifle, a hatchet and knife, they pulled through the track- 
less woods and almost impenetrable cane brakes in the direction of the 
future Le>dngton."* 

In deciding upon a permanent settlement the question of 
a water supply generally fixed the location. The historian, 
tracing Robert Patterson's path from Pennsylvania to Ken- 
tucky, is struck with the fact that he made his new home in 
the Western State on the bank of the same kind of stream 
that he had left at home. Falling Springs is a clear, rapid 
little creek that hurries through green fields and woods and 
is always sparkling and limpid. The emigrants' journey led 
them to a fertile valley in the midst of which gushed forth 
just such another stream. Rather it is a small river, and issues 
full size from beneath a shelving pile of rocks and tears nois- 
ily down the valley. This is now called the Royal Spring, 
and around it is built the picturesque hamlet of Georgetown, 
Ky. The beauty of the spot so charmed the settlers 
that they decided this should be their new home. They were 
joined by several families from the mouth of the Kentucky 
River, from the Kingston settlement and Drennan's Lick, and 
by some young men, among them Alexander and William 
McConnell, of Pennsylvania, cousins of Robert Patterson. 

*Ranck's History of Lexington. 




142 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 




'^iW: 



After assisting the McClellans to build a stout log house 
at the Royal Spring, Patterson, excited by the stimulus of 
exploration and mindful of his promise to his father about 
land, pushed out from the rest of the party farther into the 
wilderness. This was in November, 1775. His only com- 
panion was a young man 
named James Sterritt, 
also on the outlook for 
land. On the north 
fork of Cane Run the 
two young hunters 
halted to spend the 
night of November 
ninth. This was the 
real beginning of 
Lexington ; for on 
that very spot, and 
because of that night's 
bivouac, afterwards rose the 
city that for years domi- 
nated the whole northwest. There has been much 
unnecessary romancing by historians about the settlement 
of Lexington: unnecessary, because the plain truth is 
romantic enough as it stands. No crusaders in the Middle 
Ages, no Knights of the Round Table ever encountered 
more thrilling adventures nor endured more rigid privations, 
than these plain Scotch-Irish pioneers in buckskm leggings 
and linsey-woolsey coats. Ranck says : "The hardships and 
sufferings of the Puritans in the fii'st years of the Plymouth 
settlement were not greater than those of the founders of 
Lexington in her infancy." In this general statement the 
historian is more accurate than when he comes to details; for 
he writes of a camp of six young men on this same spot in 
June, 1775, when they named the tovm Lexington. The news 



ROYAL SPRING, GEORGETOWN, KY 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 143 

of the battle of Lexington could hardly have carried eight 
hundred miles in two months. Lexington was not named 
until its formal establishment as a mihtary garrison by 
Robert Patterson and a company of twenty-five men in 
1779. 

Therefore the two young men on that November evening, 
1775, were quite unconscious of the significance of their casual 
camp. Robert Patterson said: " When I came to the place, 
I had no intention of improving there, but chancing to kill a 
turkey, and it being late in the evening, James Sterritt, who 
was the only person in my company, and I concluded to 
camp there all night. Sterritt and I proceeded on and came 
to a spring, where we built a cabin ten or twelve feet 
square, and deadened fifteen or twenty trees, and marked 
' R. P.' on a tree. I considered it a remarkably beautiful 
place." 

Catherine Patterson Brown, telling in 1855 the story of 
this camp as she heard it from her father, says : 

"Near the close of a long day's land-seeking ride from the armed 
camp at the Royal Spring, father was rewarded with a first view of the 
site that was to be his home, a beautiful spot, a grove of stately trees, 
the center of a mass of ripened cane stretching over gently roUing hills, 
a herd of grazing buffalo a feature of the scene. A splendid spring in the 
grove determined his place for bivouac, the winding course of the spring 
branch through rich grasses marking pasture ground for his horse. 

"Fearless and satisfied he enjoyed a night's rest, waking in the early 
morning to full realization that the object of his Western venture had 
been accomplished. I remember with what happiness he always told us 
of that night and morning. He remained at the spring in camp to run 
the bounds, blazing trees along the hnes, with tomahawk cutting into 
corner trees and other landmarks, his brand ("R. P. Nov. Ninth, 1775,") 
making legal claim to his first possessions. For this and adjoining tracts, 
and for lands purchased elsewhere for himself and others he paid scrip 
and warrants granted to himself, my grandfather and others of the con- 
nection for services in the Colonial, Revolutionary and Indian Wars in 
a period of forty-seven years. 



144 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

"In the few days' camp at the spring wood was found, and water and 
stone in abundance, the desideratum of land seekers, and deep loamy 
soil, fertile beyond his dreams when told of the cane lands two years 
previous by comrades of the Rangers. He returned to Royal Spring, 
blazing the way that soon became a familiar route, for he spent as much 
of the winter at his own spring as he could safely be away, and unmo- 
lested by the Indians planned for a cabin, a very hazardous undertaking 
in opinion of his frontier companions. 

"Robert Patterson's hut was built of buckeye poles and stood near 
the historic Lexington spring, the fertile center of the paradise of the 
West. The surrounding country, a rich pasture for buffalo, elk, and deer, 
for centuries disturbed only by Indian hunting camps, had been shelter 
in turn for whites and savage foes. When early in the year 1777, re- 
covering from wounds, at his Pennsylvania home, he so clearly described 
the tract and land marks that his brother William, on a trip to Kentucky 
had no difficulty in locating hut, spring and corn patch. Father's land 
by right of discovery, a 'tomahawk right,' was made good by settle- 
ment and improvements, perfected by all necessary legal steps, questioned 
in court upon ailjustment of boundary lines, a title that has stood eighty 
years." 

At this time Patterson began to use his knowledge of sur- 
veying, which he had picked up from old text-books without 
the aid of a teacher while visiting at Sweet Arrow farm, and 
which was very valuable in a new country. A party consist- 
ing of Patterson, Barton, McBride and three others surveying 
lands near the Licking River, twenty miles north of Lexing- 
ton, were fired on by Indians; McBride was killed, but not 
before he had shot two of the assailants. All the others 
escaped. 

During the remainder of the fall of 1775 Patterson occupied 
himself in surveying lands on Cane Run and the Elkhorn, 
and making claims for himself, for his father, and for 
his brother Wilham. He made about twenty claims, includ- 
ing his own thousand acres, marking some R. P., others F. P. 
or W. P. He says he marked but few claims 
in his own name, " for fear of being called a 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 145 

land robber, a name much detested in the back parts of Penn- 
sylvania, where I had come from." He then writes : " I built a 
cabin on Cane Run, near where Robert Sander's mill stands." 
So this was his first cabin on the claim, made in November 
of 1775, but not occupied as a home until later. Robert 
Patterson spent the first winter with the McClellans at Royal 
Spring, and in April assisted in converting the cabin into 
something like adequate protection against the Indians. To- 
gether they felled trees, rolled logs into place, and shortly 
there grew up a log stockade fort called McClellan's Fort. 
" The only garrison north of the Kentucky River and forty 
miles in advance of any other." 

The Colonial Government had ordered that if a settler 
made improvements upon the land, such as clearing off the 
forests or building a cabin, especially if he raised a crop of 
corn, he could claim one thousand acres as his own. So 
Patterson and his friends proceeded to fix their title by a 
crop of corn. As soon as the weather would permit, in the 
spring of 1776, he proceeded to Cane Run and, as he wrote 
it, " grubbed a patch of corn." During that summer he and 
his friends spent some time on the Elkhorn looking after this 
corn that made his land title ; but repeated threats and out- 
rages on the part of the savages made the occupation of small 
stations not only unadvisable, but impossible. The young 
men were obliged to return to McClellan's at Royal Spring, 
where numbers insured safety. As danger of Indian treach- 
ery increased, all the settlers lived closer in the forts. 

Robert Patterson's own story covering this period of his 
life is as follows: 

" I became an inhabitant of Kentucky in 1775, where in April * Perry 
and McConnell helped in building my cabin of buckeye logs. The first 
depredations of the Indians in that country were committed that month. 
The few inhabitants then erected forts and formed regulations by com- 

* He means April, 1T76. according to his sworn statement in deposition. 



146 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



mittees who enrolled the militia and performed regular duty, forming one 
battalion, and the officers were shortly after commissioned by the State 

of Virginia. I procured paj' and 
rations, which enrollment continued 
until end of the war. Simon Kenton 
wintered at Hinckston's, Boone and 
Harrod at their own stations. The 
winter passed without alarm or dis- 
comfort, and in March I grubbed 
a patch of cane ground, planted it 
in corn after my cabin was up, 
and tended it alone. 

" Indian hunters threatened, and 
when my crop had been laid by 
I assisted in building blockhouse 
McClellan's Station. On scouting 




and stockade for 



duty through the summer I protected the corn from grazing buffalo 
and elk. I spied Indian camps without discovery and gave alarm to 
the settlements without wasting a shot, as ammunition was getting 
short. And I trapped bear and deer with bent saplings. I gathered 
my corn, cured seed for the next year's planting and on pack horse 
carried it to Harrod's for safety, and cribbed the balance in my cabin, 
which the hostiles later carried off." 

At one time the garrison at McClellan's Station was at- 
tacked by forty or fifty Indians under the Mingo warrior 
named Pluggy. With horrid war-whoops they rushed upon 
the stockade from out of the forest, the whites holding the 
fort bravely, and after a sharp resistance the savages re- 
treated. Pluggy was killed and the settlers lost valuable 
men. McClellan and Charles 'WTiite were mortally wounded ; 
Robert Ford and Edward Worthington were wounded, but re- 
covered. Patterson received a slight wound which was the 
one that, six years later, almost caused his death or capture 
at the battle of Blue Licks. 

As the Indians were constantly threatening the settlers, 
so the settlers went from fort to fort to give warning of their 
approach. Robert Patterson once went to visit his future 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 



147 



brothers-in-law, Joseph and William Lindsay. These young 
men had come from Falling Springs, [now Chambersburg,] 
Pa., and had established themselves at a large spring near 
the forks of the Elkhorn. Here they also had acquired 
"hatchet rights" by blazing a number of trees to enclose a 
certain tract, and cutting their initials on a large tree near the 
spring. They had already cleared the ground and had 
an acre of land in corn. This place was 
called Lindsay's Springs for 
many years. The erection 
of a hut, however poor, on 
the claim would have given 
them "cabin rights," a 
right every settler respected 
as he would a signed and 
attested deed. But they '^ 
were still in camp making 
their beds out of boughs of 
trees and cooking over a 
camp fire. They entertained 
Robert Patterson with a tooth- 
some repast of roasting ears, cooked over the coals, and snap 
beans. All the early historians of Kentucky mention that 
the Lindsay brothers were the first to have snap beans and 
roasting ears. To them Kentucky owes also her apple orchards, 
for it is said that they were the first to plant apple seeds 
on the new soil. 

Mrs. Catherme P. Brown writes: 

"Men were on guard every night at McClellan's, as was the case at 
the other settlements, and as danger increased with milder weather, a 
mihtary company formed including all the men of the Elkhorn country, 
divided into small parties to scout and hunt in turn. Father was on 
this duty much of the time, scouting in all kinds of weather from Hinck- 
ston's to the Blue Licks, then around to Boone's, sometimes to Harrod's, 
halting on the tours for work on his own land. He supplied a consider- 




iPRING CAMPING GROUND 

(Site of Lexington) 



148 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

able portion of the bear meat and venison used at McClellan's that winter. 
He told us of killing a young buck near his spring in cold weather, then 
making tender 'jerk' by hanging the meat in the air for curing in the 
winds. He lived on 'jerk' two months and had enough for dinner for 
David Perry and young McConnell, who in April helped him build the 
hut for which in the winter he had cut the poles and split clapboards." 

The year 1775 was called the "peace year," when, follow- 
ing Dunmore's treaty, the Indians were kept in abeyance; 
but in 1776, incited by the British, they resumed their 
depredations. Beginning with the spring of 1776, they 
lined the banks of the Ohio, Kentucky and Licking Rivers, 
watching for the flat-boats of the white men floating slowly 
down with the current. With their light canoes so much 
more rapid than the clumsy house-boats, the savages could 
dart out from the sheltering thickets along the bank, sur- 
prise and murder the settlers, and escape without loss. If 
the settlers reached their destination unmolested and hoped 
to make a home for their children, there were still greater 
perils to threaten them. Ranck says, in his History of 
Lexington: "The attempt to raise corn was certain death. 
Game was shot at the peril of the hunter's life." When pro- 
visions became scanty in the fort, and the grim specter of 
starvation forced the father to shoulder his gun and go hunting 
in the forest, his wife never knew that the door she closed 
upon him in the morning would open to him again at night. 

It was during the summer of 1776 that occurred that 
thrilling event in the early history of Kentucky — the carrying 
off of the daughter of Daniel Boone and the two daughters of 
Col. Richard Calloway. The three girls were paddling about 
in a canoe on the Kentucky River near Fort Boonesboro 
when, on drifting near the bank, they were horrified to see 
a dark-skinned arm reach out of the bushes and pull the boat 
shoreward. At the same time an Indian of great size, in 
war paint and feathers, sprang along the side of the boat 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 



149 




and seized one of the girls. The 
other two fought bravely with the paddles, 
but they were soon overcome, their cries stifled, 
and all were carried swiftly off through the 
forest. On the way, although constantly threat- 
ened with a tomahawk, they took every occasion to 
break twigs from trees and tear small bits of their clothing 
and drop them in the path to aid the search that they felt 
sure would follow. Of course, Colonel Boone had plenty of 
volunteers to go to the rescue of the abducted girls, and we 
have reason to believe that Robert Patterson was among the 
number. The pursuit was carried into Ohio, where the 
Indians were surprised asleep around their camp fire, the 
girls rescued and restored to their families. 

Let us try to imagme the Kentucky of that day. 

Except for the treeless stretches of country between the 
Salt and Green Rivers, which the settlers called "the Bar- 
rens," and which had been burned off by the Indians, Kentucky 
in 1775 contained not one clearing. The country was almost 
unbroken forest. Iixmiense oaks and maples grew with 
branches interlaced, making a roof through which the sun 
never shone. It was a tangled, whispering, shaded wilder- 
ness, peopled with four-footed wild beasts and still more 
terrible two-footed enemies. It was always tmlight in the 
woods; always sinister and fear-compelling. The only paths 
were the buffalo traces which were kept open by the wild 
cattle going to and from the streams. These "traces" the 
first settlers followed on their journeys in from the East. 
The woods were the natural homes of the savages. They 
knew how to hide behind trees and shoot from the shelter of 
a rotten stump. Their dark skin lost itself among the shad- 
ows; their footfalls were noiseless as 
those of a hunting panther. But the 
settler was in constant peril. He had "P 




150 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



learned to fight in the open, but was no match for the skulking 
foe in the deep and shadowy ravine. Every feature of the 
landscape was an advantage to the Indian and a disadvantage 
to the white man. Logs, trees and bushes were all ambushes, 
and the Indian made good use of them. He could signal to 
his companions right across the track of the white settler, 
who thought the call only the cry of an owl or the chirrup of 
a squirrel. The hunter knew that death in its 
most terrible form might be lurking behind a log 
or tree trunk. Stealthily and slowly the foe 
approached with no manner of warning, svAit 
and pitiless the onslaught when 
it came; and of those who, instead 
of being killed, were taken into captivity, 
the less written the better, if we would 
keep our senses. Those who have read 
of the burning at the stake of 
Colonel Crawford at Sandusky, of 
the runnmg of the gauntlet by Simon Ken- 
ton, of the prisoners hacked to pieces by the 
hatchets of the younger chiefs; of girls con- 
demned to a life of concubinage; of the little 
babies snatched from their mothers' arms and 
thrown on blazing coals — wiU not wonder that 
the white settler, when his turn came, fought with the desper- 
ation born of harrowing memories. Theodore Roosevelt writes : 
" The inhuman love of cruelty for cruelty's sake which marks 
the red Indian above all other savages rendered these wars more 
terrible than an}^ others; for the hideous, unnamable, un- 
thinkable tortures practiced by the red men on their captured 
foes, and on their foes' tender women and helpless children, 
were such as we read of in no other struggle; hardly even in 
the revolting pages that tell the deeds of the Holy Inquisition. 
It was inevitable; indeed, it was in many instances proper 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 151 

that such deeds should wake in the breasts of the whites 
the grimmest, wildest spirit of revenge and hatred." 

The Indians seldom came to open conflict; they had no 
pride in it; it did not satisfy their instincts of brutality. But 
as every scalp at the belt added to the prestige of a warrior, 
he let slip no opportunity of taking one. Settlers were picked 
off by arrows from behind trees as they were planting corn, 
or shot in the back as they proceeded from cabin to fort on 
horseback. It is told that at one time at the court-house 
at Lexington were seen twenty-three widows who had come 
to obtain letters of administration upon then- husbands' es- 
tates, all of whom had in one year been bereft of their pro- 
tectors by this ambushed warfare. The whites lived in con- 
tinual dread. They never dared undress to go to bed, and 
every dawning sun brought fresh anxiety for the fathers and 
mothers. The children learned not to stray away from the 
clearing into the forest in pursuit of a bird call; even two- 
year-old babies kept their aches and pains to themselves in the 
night when mother whispered, "Hush! you will bring the 
Indians." Who knows but the intense nervous temperament 
of the modern American is a psychologic result of the un- 
lifting strain in the lives of his forebears? What wonder they 
were so deeply religious! They could say with Job, "I was 
not in safety, neither had I any rest, neither was I quiet." 

In the struggle with the Indians the whites suffered moral 
as well as material disadvantages. MiUtary discipUne was of 
unknown quantity in frontier warfare. The commissioned 
officer was obeyed by his men if he was popular and they ap- 
proved of his plan of action; if not, they followed the lead 
of any subordinate officer who pleased them better. It was 
a warfare of individuals, where theories were overlooked and 
principles forgotten; where each blow struck was a specific 
personal matter which did not concern the officer in charge. 
Each man had his private scores to settle, and when he saw 



152 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

his foe the idea was to get at him as summarily as possible, 
orders or no orders. The battle of the Great Kanawha was 
most disastrous and bloody, because the Rangers, not liking 
the rations issued to them, went off into the woods after 
game, against orders. The battle of Blue Licks was lost 
because a hot-headed underling took it into his head to man- 
age things. This state of affairs not only prolonged the 
bloody struggle on the frontier, but caused frequent tragedies, 
where the Indian met with as little justice as he rendered. 

Another strange element in this haphazard warfare was 
the individual treaties entered into between combatants. 
Leaders on both sides would agree to exchange prisoners or 
arrange a temporary truce, and these contracts were, as a 
rule, conscientiously kept. Theodore Roosevelt, in his "Win- 
ning of the West," quotes from a letter of Daniel Boone to "a 
leading Kentuck}' colonel" (Robert Patterson), in which he 
notifies him that a captive squaw must be returned to her 
tribe in accordance with an agreement made, and to clear his 
"promise and obUgation." 



As we have narrated, Patterson and his associates retired 
from their log cabin for the time being to the shelter of the 
Harrodsburg Fort, between which place and the settlement 
of McClellan's at Royal Spring, he lived for the next four 
years. In the meantime the stu- of events pulsated westward 
from the colonies on the seaboard. 

A new nation was struggling to assert herself; on one side 
against the tyranny of England, on the other against the 
fierce encroachment of the savage. Her stern pride had 
spoken in the declaration that "all men are born free and 
equal and entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." 
The coast was rigid in its attitude toward the British. The 
Western forests and rivers were upholding it in their ceaseless 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 



153 



skirmishes with the Senecas and Wyandottes. The summer 
of 1776 first saw the q estabhshment of America as 
free, sovereign and in /'^^^ dependent; it saw the battles 
of Long Island, Lake 
Champlain, White 
Plains, Rhode 
Island, Trenton, 
and the capture of 
Fort Washington. 
The British at 
their headquarters 
in Detroit were urg- 
ing on by every 
means in their 
power the grow- 
ing hostilities .^ 
between the white 
settlers and the Indians. Henry 
Hamilton, the British Lieutenant-Governor 
of the northwest region, had been ordered to 
gather all the tribes together and have them ready to act 
imitedly against the Americans as soon as the weather should 
permit. War councils were held and bounties were offered 
for scalps.* Therefore, when a settler found his nearest 
neighbor murdered and scalped in the pathway, his indigna- 
tion was divided between the savage who did the deed and 
the enemy who incited him. So, whether the pioneer came 
into open conflict with the redcoats as at Bryan's Station, or 
was involved only with the Indians themselves, the qviarrel 
was a double one throughout, and the men who participated 
in it were truly Revolutionary soldiers whether they held 
a State commission or one from the Government. Indeed, 
greater credit should be theirs than that granted to the Eastern 

* American Archives, Vol. II. 




154 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

patriots in the Revolution, because the frontier men had so 
little help from headquarters. Without them the United 
States would have been much slower "in the horning." The 
central Government did not and could not concern itself with 
occasional detached skirmishes in the far Western woods. 
Its resources were strained to the utmost in its own imme- 
diate affairs with the British. The western settlers fought 
single-handed and unsupported. During the winter that 
Robert Patterson spent in the fort at Royal Spring all the 
tribes in Ohio, Illinois and the whole northwestern country 
were preparing for a united war upon the whites. Kentucky 
was not the home of any one tribe, but all used it as a hunt- 
ing-ground, and all resented the rapid incursion of the emi- 
grants into a region which they considered their own, and 
which contribvited to their existence. All winter, runners 
from the Indian towns along the Miami and Mad Rivers, and 
from the Illinois prairies, sped over the frozen ground to 
remote camps to incite the warriors to conflict. The spirit 
grew with the months, and even the older Indians, some of 
whom were inclined to be neutral, failed to curb the frenzy 
of the young braves. War paint and eagle feathers were 
donned as they danced the war dance around their fires and 
with their war clubs executed prophetic vengeance which 
was only too sure to be fulfilled. All up and down the Ohio 
River ensued the horrors of relentless warfare. Forts were 
surprised and burned, the fathers killed and the women and 
children marched to captivity. The first attacks were made 
at ^Vheeling, and soon all the borders of Pennsylvania, Vir- 
ginia and Ohio were terrorized. 

Early in October, 1776, the supply of powder and other 
necessaries at Royal Spring Fort being nearly exhausted, 
it became necessary for some of the unmarried men to go 
to Pittsburg to procure supplies before winter should set 
in. Robert Patterson, then a boy of only twenty-three, 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 155 

was selected among the rest for this expedition; he was 
looked upon by the others and by himself, probably, as en- 
tirely able to cope with the fatigues and dangers necessary 
to such an enterprise. The start was made about the first of 
the month, the party going first to Blue Lick Springs, where 
they spent several days curing buffalo jerk and tallow. 
There were seven in the party — Robert Patterson, Joseph 
McNutt, David Perry, James Wernock, James Templeton, 
Edward Mitchell and Isaac Greer. They procured a canoe 
at Limestone and commenced their journey, arriving at Point 
Pleasant, at the mouth of the Great Kanawha, with no 
serious adventures. At Point Pleasant was a fort commanded 
by a Captain Arbuckle, being the only white settlement be- 
tween McClellan's Fort and Grove Creek, a few miles below 
the present Wheeling. From this military post the young 
men carried despatches for the commandant at Wheeling. 

Aware that Indians were lurking all along the banks of 
the river, the party proceeded with the vitmost care, making 
no fire after dark, but cooking their suppers before sunset 
and going on again quietly until time to seek the shore for 
a night's rest. They agreed upon starting out, that if any 
disaster should happen to them each should stand by the 
other, and we shall see how faithfully the compact was ob- 
served. A smgle narrative from the pen of Robert Patterson 
himself remains to us. It is as thrilling a chapter in the 
pioneer history of this country as any contained in Parkman 
or Fiske or Schoolcraft. It will give posterity an opportunity 
to know what our forefathers went through in their efforts 
to wrest this great continent from savage hands and to make 
it a future home for their children. We quote the narrative 
entire, as follows: 

"At length the memorable twelfth of October arrived. During the 
day we passed several new improvements, which occasioned us to be less 
watchful and careful than we had been before. Late in'the evening we 



156 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 




landed opposite the island on the Ohio side of the river (in 
what is now Athens County), then called the Hock-hocking, 
and were beginning to flatter ourselves that we should reach 
some inhabitants the next day. Having eaten nothing that 
day, contrary to our usual practice, we kindled a fire and 
cooked supper. After we had eaten and made the last of 
our flour into a loaf of bread, and put it into an old brass 
kettle to bake so that we might be ready to start again in 
the morning at daybreak, we lay down to rest, keeping the 
same clothes on at night that we wore during the day. For 
the want of a better, I had on a hunting-shirt and britch clout 
(so called) and flannel leggings. I had my powder-horn and shot- 
pouch on my side and placed the butt of my gun under my head. 
Five of our company lay on the east side of the fire and James Templeton 
and myself on the west; we were lying on our left sides, myself in front, 
with my right hand hold of my gun. Templeton was lying close behind me. 
This was our position and asleep, when we were fired upon by a party of 
Indians. Immediately after the fire, they rushed upon us with tomahawks 
as if determined to finish the work of death they had begun. It appeared 
that one Indian had shot on my side of the fire. I saw the flash of the 
gun and felt the ball pass through me, but where I could not tell, nor 
was it at first painful. I sprang to take up my gun, but my right shoulder 
came to the ground. I made another effort and was half bent in getting 
up, when an Indian sprang past the fire with savage fierceness and struck 
me with his tomahawk. From the position I was in, it went between 
two ribs just behind the back-bone, a little below the kidney, and pene- 
trated the cavity of the body. He then immediately turned to Temple- 
ton (who by this time had gotten to his feet with his gun in hand) and 
seized his gun. A desperate scuffle ensued, but Templeton held on and 
finally bore off the gun. 

"In the meantime, I made from the light and in my attempt to get 
out of sight, I was delayed for a moment by getting my right arm fast 
between a tree and a sapling, but having gotten clear and away from the 
light of the fire, and finding that I had lost the use of my right arm, I 
made a shift to keep it up by drawing it through the straps of my shot- 
pouch. I could see the crowd about the fire, but the firing had ceased 
and the strife seemed to be over. I had reason to believe that the others 
were all shot and tomahawked. Hearing no one coming towards me, I 
resolved to go to the river and, if possible, to get into the canoe and float 
down, thinking by that means I might possibly reach Point Pleasant, 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 157 

supposed to be about one hundred miles distant. Just as I got on 
the beach a Uttle below the canoe, an Indian in the canoe gave a 
whoop, which gave me to understand that it was best to withdraw 
I did so and, with much difficulty, got to an old log, and being very 
thirsty and faint and exhausted, I was glad to sit down. I felt 
the blood running and heard it dropping on the dry leaves all 
around me. Presently, I heard the Indians board the canoe and 
float past. All was silent and I felt myself in a most forlorn con- 
dition. I could not see the fire, but determined to find it and see 
if any of my comrades were alive. I steered the course towards 
which I supposed the fire to be and having reached it found Templeton 
alive, but wounded in nearly the same manner that I was. James Wer- 
nock was also dangerously wounded, two balls having passed through / 
his body; Joseph McNutt was dead and scalped; David Perry was L 
wounded, but not badly, and Isaac Greer was missing. The miseries / 
of the hour cannot well be described. 

"When daylight appeared, we held a council and concluded that 
inasmuch as one gun and some ammunition was saved, Perry would fur- 
nish us with meat and we would proceed up the river by slow marches 
to the nearest settlements, supposed to be one hundred miles. A small 
quantity of provisions which was found scattered around the fire, was 
picked up and distributed among us, and a piece of blanket which was 
saved from the fire, was given to me to cover a wound on my back. On 
examination, it was found that two balls had passed through my right 
arm and that the bone was broken; to dress this, splinters were taken 
from a tree near the fire that had been shivered by lightning, and placed 
on the outside of my hunting-shii't and bound with a string. And now 
being in readiness to move. Perry took the gun and ammunition and we 
all got to our feet except Wernock who, on attempting to get 
up, fell back to the ground. He refused to try again, said that he 
could not live, and at that same time desired us to do the best we 
could for ourselves. Perry then took hold of his arm and told him 
if he would get up he would carry him; upon this, he made another 
effort to get up, but falling back as before, he begged us in the most 
solemn manner to leave him. At his request, the old kettle was 
filled with water and placed at his side, which he said was the last 
and only favor required of us, and then conjured us to leave him 
and try to save ourselves, assuring us that should he live to see us 
again, he would cast no reflections of unkindness upon us. Thus we 
left him. When we had gotten a Uttle distance, I looked back and, 




158 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

distressed and hopeless as Wernock's condition really was, I felt to envy 
it. After going about one hundred poles, we were obliged to stop and 
rest, and found ourselves too sick and weak to proceed. Another con- 
sultation being held, it was agreed that Teinpleton and myself should re- 
main there with Edward Mitchell, and Perry should take the gun and go 
to the nearest settlement and seek relief. Perry promised that if he could 
not procure assistance, he would be back in four days. He then returned 
to the camp and found Wernock in the same state of mind as when we 
left, perfectly rational and sensible of his condition, replenished his kettle 
with water, brought us some fire and started for the settlement. 

"Alike unable to go back or forward, and being very thirsty, we set 
about getting water from a small stream that happened to be near us, 
our only drinking vessel being an old wool hat which was so broken that 
was with some difficulty made to hold water, 
but by stuffing leaves in it, we made it hold so 
that each one could drink from once filling it. 
Nothing could have been a greater luxury to 
as than a drink of water from the old hat. 
Just at night Mitchell returned to see if Wernock 
was still fiving, intending, if he was dead, to get 
the kettle for us. He arrived just in time 
to see him expire; but not choosing to 
leave him until he should be certain that 
he was dead, he stayed with him until darkness 
came on, and when he attempted to return to us 
he got lost and lay from us all night. We suffered 
much that night from the want of fire and through fear that 
he was either killed or that he had run off; but happily for us, our 
fears were groundless, for next morning at sunrise he found his 
way to our camp. That day we moved about two hundred yards 
farther up a deep ravine and farther up the river. The weather, which 
had been cold and frosty, now became a Uttle warmer and commenced 
raining. Those that were with me could sit up, but I had no alternative 
but to lie on my back on the ground with my right arm over my body. 
The rain continuing next day, Mitchell took an excursion to examine the 
liills, and not far distant he found a projection from the cHff sufficient 
to shelter us from the rain, to which place we were very gladly removed. 
He also gathered pawpaws for us, which were our only food, except, per- 
haps, a few grapes. 

" Time moved slowly on until Saturday. In the meantime, we talked 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 159 

over the dangers to which Perry was exposed, the distance he had to go 
and the improbability of his returning. When the time had expired 
which he had allowed himself, we concluded that we would if aUve, wait 
for him until Monday, and if he did not come then, and no relief should 
be afforded, we would attempt to travel to Point Pleasant. The third 
day after our defeat, my arm became very painful. The splinters and 
leaves and my shirt were cemented together with blood, and stuck so 
fast to my arm that it required the application of warm water for nearly 
a whole day to loosen them so that they could be taken off; when this 
was done, I had my arm dressed with white oak leaves, which had a very 
good effect. On Saturday, about twelve o'clock, Mitchell came with his 
bosom full of pawpaws and placed them convenient to us, and returned 
to his station on the river. He had been gone about an hour when, to 
our great joy, we beheld him coming with a company of men. When 
they approached us, we found that our trusty friend and companion, 
David Perry, had returned to our assistance with Capt. John Walls, his 
officers and most of his company. Our feelings of gratitude may possibly 
be conceived, but words can never describe them. Suffice it to say that 
these eyes flowed plenteously with tears and I was so completely over- 
whelmed with joy that I fell to the ground. On my recovery, we were 
taken to the river and refreshed plentifully with pro\'isions which the 
captain had brought, and our wounds dressed by an experienced man, 
who came for that purpose. We were afterwards described by the cap- 
tain to be in a most forlorn and pitiable condition, more like corpses 
beginning to putrify, than Uving beings. 

"While we were at the cliff which sheltered us from the rain, the howl- 
ing of the wolves in the direction of the fatal spot whence we had so 
narrowly escaped with our lives, left no doubt that they were feasting 
on the bodies of our much-lamented friends, McNutt and Wernock. 
While we were refreshing ourselves at the river, and ha^^ng our wounds 
dressed. Captain Walls went with some of his men to the place of our 
defeat and collected the bones of our late companions and buried them 
with the utmost expedition and care. We were then conducted by water 
to Captain Wall's station at Grove Creek." 

Upon a thrilling narrative like this,* an ambitious historian 
is tempted to enlarge; to trim it up with literary appUque 
for the sake of dramatic effect. But 
ambition should not interfere with candor 



• This story is told by Jno. Van Cleve, in the " American Pioneer.' 




160 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

and simplicity. Robert Patterson was a plain man. He 
had told his own story in his own plain way, and as such 
we let it stand, feeling that it will appeal to his descend- 
ants as no more ornate narrative could. We cannot fail 
to admire his wonderful fortitude under such perilous cir- 
cumstances, and to render homage to the memory of a man 
who could undertake so much for so little reward, and bear 
the punishment of his valor with such patience. 

It is to be remembered that this party was not composed 
of hardened men of middle age, but of 3'oung fellows, almost 
boys, who in these days would be ministered to by all the 
conveniences and comforts of civilization. Robert Patter- 
son's wound never ceased to torment him, and the reopening 
of it fifty years later was the cause of his death. 

A visit to that locality in later years suggested that the 
party believed themselves safer in building a fire in the woods 
on that side of the river, as the channel ran close along a high 
wooded bank, while on the opposite side the bivouac would 
be exposed on a broad gravel beach in view a long distance 
up and down the river. The Indians had probably followed 
the party all day, and lay in hiding for the night attack. 

Wounded and suffering, Robert Patterson was taken in 
care of an army surgeon to Grove Creek, and was soon sent 
to the hospital at Fort Pitt for treatment. Continuing his 
narrative at a later date, Robert Patterson says: 

"I lay in hospital at Fort Pitt half the winter, then by easy stages 
made the trip to our home in Bedford, where by mother's nursing I 
began to mend. Arm and back continued running sores, and painful. 
Pleasant weather in the spring of '77 let me out of doors, and exercise 
was very beneficial. When able to ride I made visits to cousins in Lan- 
caster County, and the other way to family friends in Franklin, stopping 
^ length of time \vith the William Lindsay family on Falling Springs, all 
of them taking interest in accounts of Kentucke and frontier life, the 
:story of our disaster on the Ohio having been heard before my visit. I 
was given over credit as a scout and Indian fighter by the daughter, 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 161 

Elizabeth Lindsay, a beautiful woman in my eyes, her age seventeen. 
Our friendship gave occasion for other visits, and when we parted it was 
for me to make a home for her in the West." 

Much of the story of Robert Patterson's stay m Pennsyl- 
vania was gathered by Henry L. Brown from the Nisbets and 
the Shaker Pattersons, and from Catherme Patterson Brown, 
who said : 

" Father's wounds detained him some months in Pennsylvania, during 
which he renewed association with boyhood friends, among them the 
Lindsays of Falling Spring, attracted by their sister Elizabeth, a beau- 
tiful auburn-haired girl, of sprightly, happy disposition, taller than father, 
like him erect in person and graceful in movement. Their betrothal ex- 
tended over a separation of three years through unsettled war conditions, 
Elizabeth waiting the time that would release her soldier lover from mili- 
tary obligations long enough for her expected journey as a bride to their 
proposed Kentucke home. Father was to select land for Uncle William 
Lindsay, who had decided to go to the new country in the West." 

At the time of the threatened overrunning of New York 
by the British, Robert Patterson had so far recovered as to 
permit his assisting in forming companies and organizing 
a regiment to join reenforcements for the American army. 
This regiment of miUtia, however, was ordered by General 
Washington to move from Bedford to reenforce General Hand 
at Fort Pitt against an expected uprising of the north- 
western tribes. Covering that service, Colonel Patterson 
states in a pension claim: 

"I led one of the companies, but the exposure on the forced march 
was more than I could bear in the weakened condition from wovmds, 
and I again entered the army hospital at Fort Pitt. 

"Before this, in the spring, WilUam (Patterson) being near t- ^nty 
years old had consent of our mother and father to seek his for' ane with 
me in Kentucke, and met no difficulty in reaching Harrodsburg, th 
in locating my land and cabin under my description. 

"Procuring an outfit in September (1777) I joined a 
horseback party en route to Fort Henry, where my former 
commander, Colonel Shepherd of the Rangers, was again in the 




162 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

service, the fort filled with settlers an<l their families in alarm over 
the number of war parties moving through the forests across the 
Ohio River. Colonel Shepherd who had cared for me while passing 
up the river wounded the year before, now offered inducements for 
toe to locate on Wheeling Creek where he owned large tracts, but 
my interests were in Kentucke, and after two days I continued 
the ride, next halting at Point Pleasant where Capt. Matthew Arbuckle 
still remained in command of the garrison, the greatest excitement exist- 
ing among Kanawha settlers over the recent killing of Cornstalk, the Scioto 
Shawanoese Chieftain, his son Ellinipsico and the young chief Redhawk, 
while on a friendly mission at the fort. I met Cornstalk and his son 
several times on the Upper Scioto, and afterwards across from Fort Pitt, 
one of the most intelligent and fair Indians I ever knew. Their killing 
was a result of the alarm following massacre of emigrants and settlers 
along the Ohio. From Point Pleasant I descended by boat to Limestone, 
observing bands of warriors along the Indian shore, we escaping attack 
by keeping the boats close to the Southern shore. 

" Landing at Limestone I rode past Kenton's and camped over night, 
and next evening reached McClellan's. Finding the fortress and cabins 
deserted I lay in the brush with the horse until morning and met the 
first who told of the alarm and distress from invasions the previous year, 
massacres of women and children, slaughter of hve stock around stations, 
improvements destroyed, crops neglected, a number of my acquaintance 
among the slain. I received good welcome by friends at Harrod's, among 
them George Rogers Clark, in hearty humor on recovery from my wounds." 

It was in October of this year that the plans for the lUinois 
canapaign were first divulged by George Rogers Clark to those 
brave young Kentucky pioneers whom he knew he could trust 
for secrecy no less than for sympathy and support. At Har- 
rod's Station he met Robert Patterson, William McConnell, 
Leonard Helm, John Montgomery and James Masterson, who 
had all served in the Dunmore War; to them he explained his 
hopes and plans for this important exi)edition, which was so 
materially to change the ownership of the great Northwest. 
When Colonel Clark left for Wilhamsburg to plead for funds 
from the Government, it was with the understanding that those 
in whom he had confided would join him in the enterprise. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 



163 



Continuing Robert Patterson's story of his return: 

"I stopped at Harrod's Station until William (Patterson) was through 
tending court, when we with a small armed party proceeded to the Lexing- 



ton Spring and raised a small crop 

along, about all we had to 

jerk, as the Indians had 

off the live stock. The 

so late bothered us very 

the Blue Lick trace 

two, the 

that was 

for the 

grants com 

that a short 

passed Fort 

four hundred 

with Simon 

laid siege but were 

with loss of nearly a 

of the hostiles killed, also 

five of the garrison." 




of turnips from seed I brought 

eat most of the winter except 

destroyed crops and run 

pesky red skins hanging on 

much. Three of us on 

ambushed and killed 

others escaped, and 

the last of them 

winter. E m i - 

ing in told 

time after 1 

H e n r y , 

Lidiaus 

G i r t y 

rp]iuls(^(l 

huiKllI'll 

twenty- 



Robert and his brother made the cabin bullet-proof, with 
portholes guarding approach, and put in the winter clearing 
cane ground for a larger patch of corn and truck, doing also 
a share of scouting and guard. William's fighting experience 
began as one of the defenders of Logan's Fort, in May, 1777; 
then came rough experience in growing crops and caring for 
cattle and horses. He scouted the country as far as Lime- 
stone, although when Robert returned but three of the sta- 
tions were occupied. 

Harrod's, Boone's and Logan's Stations owned one hiui- 
clred and two fighting men, all told, re-enforced, however, 
in August, by Col. John Bowman. William Patterson 
spent all of January, 1778, with a large party making 
salt at the Blue Licks. Twenty-eight of them, including 
Daniel Boone, were captured by the savages, William with 



164 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

two others being fortunately on a trip delivering salt to the 
stations. 

Boone was carried to Old Chillicothe, now Old Town, on 
the Little Miami between Xenia and Yellow Springs. It was 
not a tragic capture, as were so many in those days, for the 
savages took a fancy to their prisoner and treated him rather 
as a guest than as an enemy. He joined in their sports, 
hunted, fished and swam with them, and, if we except 
the incident of his being forced to drink a decoction made of 
the entrails of a deer, which they insisted was good for 
his health, he had no fault to find with his captors. 
But in the meantime, Boone had discovered state secrets: 
he learned of prej^arations for war on the whites, and felt 
the distress of seeing four hundred and fifty warriors all 
armed, painted and equipj^ed for a descent upon the Ken- 
tucky homes of the people he loved. Spurred on by loyalty, 
and enduring all sorts of thrilling adventures, Boone escaped 
from the Indians and arrived in Kentucky in time to warn 
his friends to prepare for invasion. The Indians evidently 
knew themselves outwitted; they made no concerted attack 
that fall, but harassed the settlers by attacks of marauding 
bands until life was no longer safe at any of the stations. 

The Ohio lands were grazing and farming lands; Ken- 
tucky was the common hunting-ground of all the Indian 
tribes. Jealous of the encroachment of the white settlers, 
whose industry was slowly and surely tiu-ning game preserves 
into arable land, the savages made attempt after attempt to 
destroy their unwelcome neighbors. They appeared sud- 
denly and struck remorselessly, leaving death and destruc- 
tion in their wake. Then the whites would follow the Indians 
across the Ohio, uji the valleys of the two Miamis to their vil- 
lages (near the sites of the future Xenia, Clifton, Old Town, 
Dayton and Piqua), and seek in turn to deal such a blow 
as would render their homes once more comparatively safe. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 



165 



These repeated punitive expeditions made the history of a 
good ten years of the early Kentucky settlement. 

During all this time the Patterson brothers were business 
partners. It was Robert's part to do the fighting and 
William's to attend to the farm. The elder brother joined 
one expedition after another, each resulting in increased safety 
to the settlers, while William devoted himself to making the 
cane lands productive and remunerative. The ultimate aim of 
both brothers was to make a safe and happy home later on 
for the father and mother and children to occupy when they 
left the Pennsylvania home for the West. 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON— (Continued) 

Home of the men who helped to make the 

HISTORY OF THE NORTHWEST; PaTTERSON'S VARI- 
OUS campaigns; THE TuRKEY FoOT SKIRM- 
ISH; George Rogers Clark's Illinois expe- 
dition ; building of the Lexington stock- 
ade; THE Bowman campaign; Robert Patter- 
son's Lexington property; anticipations. 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON— (Continued) 



Mr 



"What constitutes a State ? 
Not high-raised battlements and labored ynoimd, 

Thick wall and moated gate; 
Not cities proud, with spires and turrets croivned. 
Not bays and broad-armed ports. 
No; men ! high-minded men — 
Men ivho their duties know. 
But know their rights, and knowing, dare maintain." 

Sir William Jone«. 




Hy 



i^jjg^ - T will 1)6 germane to this history to know something 

- of the pioneer associates of Robert Patterson during 

his early life in Kentucky. Most of these men were 

distinguished for their part in the history of the Western 

country; some were comparatively unknown except to 

■ 7 " Vf nm[ their friends and descendants, but all were sturdy sons 

•, W v4 ^^S^ of enterprise and of liberty, loving their fii-esides enough 

' both to work and to fight for them, and united to each 

other with that strong friendship which a common danger 

and a common purpose bring. 

It will be remembered that during the Dunmore war 
Robert Patterson came into contact with seven young Rangers 
— Simon Kenton, Daniel Boone, Benjamin Logan, James 
Harrod, David Perry, Robert McClellan, and John Todd. 
These men became his associates also in Kentucky, and later 
his firm friends. It was their account of the beauty and 
fertility of the land south of the Ohio that aroused in Rob- 
ert Patterson the desire to make it his home. 

Simon Kenton was a rough, unlettered Irishman of 



170 CONCERNING THE EOHl'U'ATHEHK 

great bravery and fine moral character. He fled into the 
wilderness from his Virginia home when he was only sixteen, 
under suspicion of an unpremeditated homicide. This af- 
terwards proved to be a mistake. He was a spy in Lord 
Dunmore's war and later lived in the "Cane Lands" of 
Kentucky, alternately tilling the groimd and fighting the 
Indians, as circumstances demanded. He was 
taken prisoner by the Indians and con- 
demned to be burned at the stake. They 
did actually tie him up and pile brush 
aroimd him, but at the last moment he 
was rescued. He ran the gauntlet no 
less than seven times,* escaping finally 
through his bravery and agility. He 
was a jirisoner of war at Detroit, but 
escaped and fled on foot through the 
woods to Kentucky. Kenton com- 
manded a battalion of volunteers under 
Gen. Anthony Wayne in 1793-1794, and 
was Brigadier-General of Ohio Militia in 
SIMON KKNTON jgQS Like Pattersou, hc preempted Immcnse 
tracts of land in Kentucky, but lost them through troubles with 
incoming settlers and his ignorance of the law. He died in 
1836 at an advanced age, on the exact spot where fifty-eight 
years before he had escaped death at the hands of the Indians. 
Daniel Boone's name is familiar to every boy who reads 
the romantic history of the great West. He is called the 
Robin Hood of American pioneer life; an ignorant man if 
we judge him only by the standard of books, but versed in 
his craft. As the true education is that one which best 
enaljles a man to cope with the difficulties of life, it will be 
granted that Daniel Boone was, after all, a very well-edu- 
cated man. He could barely read and write, but he knew 
everything relating to the forests, the fields and the streams. 

* Once on the site of the present pike between Xenia and Yellow Springs, fotir miles from Xenia. 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 



171 



As a hunter he was a genius; as an Indian fighter, a terror; 
"Strong, brave, lithe, inured to hardships and privation, 
he traced his steps through the pathless forests, sought 
out the hiding places of the panther, bear and wolf, and 
was the match of any Indian in the sagacity with which 
he detected the footsteps of the red man."* Daniel Boone 
was allied with the Quakers in Philadelphia in his 3routh, 
but moved to North Caro- lina and thence to Ken- 

-^^ the fort called 

Kentucky River. 



tucky, establishing 
Boonesboro,onthe 
It is much too 
tell here of his 
Indians, his 
ney of one 
sixty miles 
meal ; his 
an Indian 
pulling out 
except one 
cape by 
bacco dust 
of his cap- 
flight by 
Robert Pat- 
battle of Blue 
ing his wounded 
back to safety; 




DANIEL BOONE 



long a story to 
capture by the 
flight and jour- 
hundred and 
with only one 
adoption into 
tribe after 
all his hair 
lock; his es- 
throwingto- 
in the eyes 
tors; his 
the side of 
terson at the 
Licks carry- 
son on his 
his death in 



Missouri in 1820, and his l^urial in the coffin he made for himself 
and had kept under his bed for years. If one wants romance, 
fairy tale and epic all in one, let him read the life of Daniel Boone. 
John Todd was a Virginia lawyer who came to Fayette 
County in the same year with Robert Patterson and settled 
at Lexington. He was a Burgess of the Virginia Legisla- 
ture in 1776 and afterwards colonel of the Kentucky militia. 

* Appleton's Cyclopedia Am. Biog. 



172 CONCERNING THE FOllEFATHERS 

He was in the first Kentucky legislature with Robert Pat- 
terson, and in the Illinois campaign with George Rogers 
Clark. The most noteworthy thing John Todd ever did 
was to introduce a bill into the Virginia legislature to eman- 
cipate the negroes. It was in 1780 that he thus anticipated 
history. He was interested in the Transylvania University 
and its library, and worked hand in hand with Robert 
Patterson for the advancement of the young and promising 
institution. At the battle of Blue Licks he was senior 
colonel, and fell almost at the first onslaught. His brother 
Levi was, with Robert Patterson, one of the few survivors 
of this bloody battle.* 

Benjamin Logan was, like Patterson, Scotch-Irish, and 
a part of that Pennsylvania-Virginia emigration which 
peopled the wilds of the West. Like Patterson and Kenton 
he served in the Dunmore war, and joined Daniel Boone in 
Kentucky in 1775. At the attack on Logan's Fort in 1777, 
the men who stood guard at the morning milking were fired 
upon by the Indians. One was killed, one mortally wounded, 
and the third struck helpless. Logan advanced alone under 
a shower of bullets, took the wounded man on his shoulders 
and bore him within the fort, where there were but twelve 
muskets to keep the savages at bay. For weeks these brave 
.men and women held out; then provisions and ammunition 
ran low, and Logan with two faithful friends escaped by 
night through the woods, leaving only nine guns to guard 
the fort. They reached a settlement one hundred and fifty 
miles distant, whence came a mounted force to relieve the 
garrison. Logan commanded the expedition against the 
Shawnees at Chillicothe in 1786, with Robert Patterson 
under his command. He led the main body of volunteer 
reinforcements to the relief of Bryan's Station, and four 
years later led a force of men against the Miami towns. 
It was in one of these later skirmishes under Logan, in 

♦Levi Todd's son Robert was the father of Mrs. Abraham Lincoln. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 



173 



the vicinity of Piqua, that Robert Patterson received from 
an Indian a blow that reopened his old wound, and upon 
which injury he based his claim for a pension. Logan is 
described as a powerfully built man of iron endurance and 
great courage. He was a member of the Ken- 

tucky legislature in the same 
year with Patterson, and died 

in Shelby County two years -^.^^^ 

before the latter moved to '^^ 

Dayton. 

Gen. George Rogers 
Clark was a man of fine 
mental powers and 
superior advantages. 
He was a Virginian 
born, and a pupil of 
Donald Robertson in 
the King schools. He 
was a surveyor, soldier, 
farmer, and statesman, 
and early followed the tide 
of emigration into Kentucky 
His campaigns are matters 
of general American history: the 
Illinois expedition which Robert 

Patterson describes ; the capture of Vincennes, which his men 
approached up to their arm-pits in icv water through the 
submerged lands of the Wabash ; the relief of Cahokia ; the 
defeat of the Shawnees; the Hood ambuscade on James River; 
and other engagements less important and decisive. Clark 
was a vigorous, vital character and a maker of events. He 
never married, as he detected a want of braver}^ in his pros- 
pective father-in-law, and objected to any such weakness be- 
ing handed down to his posterity. His old age was passed in 




GEORGE ROGERS CLARK 



174 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

poverty. lie fell himself neglected by his Government, and 
when, in his eijj;htieth year, a committee from the State of 
Virginia sent him a sword, he said bitterly: " When Virginia 
needed a sword I gave her one; she sends me now a toy when 
I need bread." The imputation was true. He had 
gained for the United States all the territory north of the 
Ohio, now comprising Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, but he 
died a poor man. "He had spent his fortune as freely as 
he had risked his life. He had supported his troops almost 
without the aid of the State that commissioned him. The 
bounties promised hun were never paid. He won an empire 
for his country, but was only rewarded with empty compli- 
ments." 

In an address delivered in Kentucky upon General Clark, 
his eulogist gives the following sad story of liis later life : 

"A hero in war, peace fell upon him like a blight. He became intem- 
perate and paralyzed. The enormou.s land bountie.s which had been 
voted him by the Virginia Asseml)ly for his public services were for years 
withheld from him, and he was left, helpless and penniless, upon the 
bounty of his kinsmen. The strong, dashing young soldier decaj'ed 
away as he approached old age, mortified but still proud. Day after 
day, year after year, he sat meditating on the glories of the past, the 
ingratitude of the present, and the assured grandeur of the future. His 
surgeon required the amputation of his right leg. 'All right,' he said, 
' bring in the boy of the regiment and let him beat the drum.' 

"What a scene that must have been! The old warrior with his mouth 
firmly set, the surgeon sawing off his leg above the knee, the drummer 
boy beating as for his life, as he did when he led the victorious little army 
through the floods of the Wabash. The old spirit came back at times 
and sat in the ruins of the old temple." * 

Clark died February eighteenth, 1818, aged eighty-six 
years. 

James Garrard was another of Robert Patterson's asso- 
ciates in official matters. Their names ajDpear conjointly 
on many of the Kentucky State papers. They were both 

* Quoted from " Coo. Hoe<-is flark ami the I'ioiieers of Kentucky;" by ticn. C.ates P. Thruston. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 175 

militia officers, both political leaders, and both members of 
the first convention that framed the constitution of the 
State. Garrard had a seat in the Virginia legislature, and 
was made Governor of Kentucky in 1796. 

Isaac Shelby was the first Governor of Kentucky, and 
served two terms. He was not an intimate of Patterson's, 
although the two had occasional interchanges of opinion 
on State and military matters. Shelby had a fine record 
as statesman and soldier. Shelby County and Shelbyville 
in Kentucky are named for him. 

With men of such widely different caliber did Robert 
Patterson live and work, and the presumption is that he 
met all alike and formed his friends according to their value 
as men, whether a rough backwoodsman like Daniel 
Boone, or a Virginia gentleman like Garrard. It is only 
when our preferences in the matter of human society are 
warped by a too refining civilization, or vitiated by the 
excess of everything social, that we find ourselves choosing 
our friends according to merely adventitious standards. 

On January thirtieth, 1777, the fort at Harrodsburg was 
strengthened by the arrival of Col. George Rogers Clark, 
Alexander and William McConnell, Capt. Edward Worth- 
ington, Robert Todd, and others from McConnell's Fort 
(Georgetown), which had been abandoned l^ecause of its 
insufficient protection. The year that followed was one 
of continual harassing liy the Indians. Robert Patterson 
was in several skirmishes. He helped to defend Harrods- 
burg from attack, and finally in 1778, "not having 
had enough of fightmg,"* we find him a member of 
George Rogers Clark's army in the celebrated Illinois 
campaign — " the most hazardous and most suc- 
cessful campaign ever conducted liy the Ameri- 
cans against the British and Indians. " + This 

* Robert Patterson's personal narrative. 
1 Robert Patterson's Memorial to Congress. 



176 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

expedition was an unprecedented instance of an individ- 
ual enterprise becoming a national event. Clark himself 
conceived the idea that to conquer the Illinois country (then 
occupied b}^ French, British, and hostile Indians) would be 
to control the whole of the great Northwest and insure 
safety to Kentucky. After discussing his {)lans with his 
Kentucky friends, he followed the Wilderness Road back 
to the Capital to lay his plans before Patrick Henry. He 
received sympathy and encouragement, but not much finan- 
cial help, as the Virginia resources were low. A commission 
as Colonel was given him, with authority to raise seven com- 
panies of fifty men each (to be paid in land if successful), and 
instructions to enlist his men from west of the Blue Ridge 
only, as the eastern men were wanted for seacoast fighting. 
Ostensibly Clark was to go to the relief of Kentucky, because 
any news of his real enterprise would have insured its failure. 
Troops were raised from scattered points all down the banks 
of the Ohio, and stores procured from Pittsburg and Wheeling. 
The news of this pi'ojected expedition reached the Kentucky 
settlement, and Roliert Patterson was one of the first to res- 
pond. He joined Clark with ten other volunteers, making 
about one hundred and fifty men in all, and in Ma}' they 
started down the Ohio in flat-boats. 

Henry L. Brown, introducing Rol)ert Patterson's story 
of this campaign, says: "The conquest of Illinois by Colonel 
Clark ranked in importance with General Washington's 
victory at Monmouth that summer." Robert Patterson 
says : 

"In April I joinod Col. George Rogers Clark as commandant of 
a small company of vi)lunteers, armed and equiiiped hy the State of 
\'irginia for the memorable I^lenois expedition, and lay in cam)) on liear 
Grass at the Falls several weeks before Colonel Clark arriveil in boats 
with the troops from Fort Pitt, bringing also thirl crn emigrant families 
whom w(> assisted in landing on the island as .settlers. ... In .May, 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 177 

1778, we constructed light, rude fortifications on Corn Island, this island 
being in extent near fifty acres, which we completed by June first. The 
companies camped here while waiting reinforcements 'vhich mostly 
failed. I had been on the Indian side scouting, and by ortler of the 
Commander led a larger force further into the wilderness. Thirty strong 
we crossed the river, proceeding cautiously as far as Blue River, then 
up that stream nearly to White River, and returned to the Falls by a 
circuitous path without discovering Indians. 

"Learning the expedition would be against Kaskaskia and other 
French settlements on the Mississippi, and our term about expired, we 
signed for another three months, giving me command of seventeen rangers 
with rank of Sergeant." 

With four companies under good discipline the expedition 
embarked June twenty-fourth, and with relay's of oarsmen 
working day and night they landed on the small island of 
St. Philip, in the mouth of the Tennessee River, on the 
twenty - eighth ; then with 
captive guides they pro- 
ceeded ten miles farther down J^^S^'^^^^^Si; '"'^sii 
the current, ran the boats into a creek ^^.-:<:^^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^ 
near Fort Messac, and camped for ^<^^^^ the night. '^^ 
Leaving the boats concealed in the \ bushes, the officers 
and men carrying each his rifle, ammunition and rations, the 
expedition started next morning for a rapid march of one hun- 
dred and twenty miles to the Kaskaskia, one-half the way 
through a thick forest, the other through swamp and prairie. 
The Rangers under Sergeant Patterson were sent ahead to spy 
out the country, going in Indian file with " flankers," and rest- 
ing in the general camp at night. Here again is Robert Pat- 
terson's account: 

" With every man in ranks two hours before sun we marched six 
days through thickets and sloughs, halting for camp by light of the moon, 
making meal cakes or parching corn for the next day before lying for 
rest. The jerk being gone, and flour and meal used up by the fifth 
day, parched corn carried us through. The secrecy of the expedition 
forbid shooting game of which we saw plenty. None sickened or foil out 




178 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

the entire expedition, and none complained of hardship although march- 
ing under scorching suns. We covered the ground so fast as to surprise 
ourselves as well as the enemy. From suspicion of the captive guide 
after we struck the prairie lands Colonel Clark kept pace with the Rangers 
in the lead, but when all came out on the fifth day as the guide and his 
party of hunters had described, the Colonel knew we would surprise and 
capture the fort, whose commander had no suspicion of our coming. 

"The next day being in the vicinity of the fort and on the limits of 
a cultivated region, the army lay concealed in the forest until evening 
[July fourth], without much to eat, but nerved for a charge into the fort 
in the darkness." 

The danger of discovery by spies from the fort and by 
Indian scouts increased tenfold through the hours that 
Sergeant Patterson describes, as the troops and his Rangers 
Jay concealed in the woods waiting for darkness. Capt. 
Joseph Bowman wrote that "neither officers nor men in 
these hours of increased danger faltered in the determination 
to capture the town or die in the attempt, although the 
place was so fortified that it might have successfully fought 
a thousand men." 

Robert Patterson continues: 

"We lay quiet as possible in the excitement, waiting for the hour I 
was to start with the guide and picked men to spy a way into the fort. 
The guide knew we meant to kill him the minute he faulted or even showed 
sign of treachery. He agreed to lead the way if the gates of the fort were 
not closed, and he proved true. 

"Taking him unarmed I crossed the river with the four Rangers, 
Simon Kenton, .Arthur Lindsay, John Higgins and George Gray. Find- 
ing all as the guide described, I sent word back to Colonel Clark, who then 
crossed with the troops in boats. With us the Colonel rapidly made 
the way along the river to a gate through which we entered the fort 
unchallenged. Led by the guide we proceeded quickly to the quarters 
of the commandant, Capt. Philip Rocheblave, and made him prisoner. 
The troops had followed us through the gates, terrorizing citizens and 
garrison. It was a complete surpri.se and capture. After a good meal 
from the public stores we were relieved for a few hours' sleep and rest, 
and were up before the sun in line with rifles loaded for what might 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 179 

come, but experienced no trouble. The I'rench were quiet and friendly 
disposed, Indians overawed, and the black slaves of whites and red men 
peaceful and harmless. Colonel Clark, Major Bowman and the com- 
mand were pleased more with the victory as dawn revealed the strong 
fortress, arms, powder, lead and provisions, village of near a hundred 
houses, mills, trading stores, horses and cattle, a productive farm com- 
munity." 

Colonel Clark's own account, in a letter to his brother- 
in-law, George Mason, says : 

" On the evening of July fourth we got within three miles of the town 
of Kaskaskia, having a river of the same name to cross to the town. 
Ready for anything that might happen, we marched after night to a 
farm, took the family prisoners and found plenty of boats to cross in, 
and in two hours were on the other shore in greatest silence. I learned 
they had suspicion of being attacked and made preparations, keeping 
out spies, but they making no discoveries were off their guard. I imme- 
diately divided my little army (one hundred and seventy-five men) into 
two divisions; ordered one to surround the town, with the other I broke 
into the fort, secured the Governor, Mr. Rocheblave, in fifteen minutes 
had every street secured, sent runners through the town ordering the 
people on pain of death to keep close to their houses, which they 
observed, and before daylight had the whole town disarmed." 

The most vivid and picturesque version of the taking of 
Kaskaskia, and the one used by Mary Hartwell Catherwood 
in her novel, "Old Kaskaskia," is told by Roosevelt in his 
"Winning of the West." It is as follows: 

" Inside the fort the lights were lit, and through the windows came 
the sound of violins. The officers of the fort had given a ball, and the 
mirth loving Creoles, young men and girls, were dancing and reveling 
within, while the sentinels had left their posts. One of his captives 
showed Clark a postern gate by the river side, and through this he enters 
the fort, having placed his men around about at the entrance. Advancing 
to the great hall, where the revel was held, he leaned silently and with 
folded arms against the doorpost looking at the dancers. An Indian 
lying on the floor of the entry gazed intently on the stranger's face. "^'J 
As the light from the torches within ffick('r(Ml across it, ho sud- 



^^ 




180 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

(lenly spran"; to his feet uttering the unearthly war whoop. Instantly 
the dancing ceased; the women screamed, while the men ran towards 
the door, but Clark standing unmoved and with unchanging face, 
grimly bade them continue their dancing, but to remember that they 
now danced under Virginia, and not Great Britain. At the same time 
his men burst into the fort and seized the French ofTicers, including the 
British commandant, Rocheblave. Immediately Clark had every street 
secured, and sent runners through the town ordering the people to keep 
close to their houses on pain of death, and by daylight he had them all 
disarmed. The backwoodsmen patroled the town in little squads, while 
the French in silent terror cowered within their low-roofed houses. 
Clark was willing that they should fear the worst, and their panic was 
very great. The unlooked for and mysterious approach and sudden 
onslaught of the backwoodsmen, their wild and uncouth appearance, 
and the ominous silence of their commander, all combined to fill the 
French with fearful forebodings for their future fate." 

W. H. English, in his "Conquest of Illinois," thus charac- 
terizes this victory : 

" It is marvelous that a military post, well provided with soldiers, 
cannon and provisions in an old town of several hundred famihes, should 
have been captured without the firing of a gun, by less than two hundred 
tired and hungry backwoodsmen, without cannon, army supplies, trans- 
portation or even food. This little band had been four days on the river, 
rowing by turns day and night, and for the next six days marching across 
a wild and unknown country without roads, much of it in brush or swamp 
and in the range of savage foes, making ten days of continuous strain 
and labor, and the last two without food." 

Putting all accounts of the taking of Kaskaskia together, 
we can scarcely overestimate the bravery of the attack or 
the significance of the capture. It was the turning of the 
key that unlocked the great Northwest to the American 
Government. 

Robert Patterson says of subsequent events: 

"The Rangers after four hours sleep and hearty breakfast, under 

orders of Colonel Clark, reported with a few others to Captain Bowman, 

and momiting horses collected from the fort and vicinity, accomi)anied 

by a number of l''rench citizen guides, ]irocccilcd on forced march to 



«) 



'. iJA 



:,^-^>Hf^-^- 




FIRST COUNCIL OF GEN. UKORCiE ROGERS CLARK 
WITH THE ILLINOIS INDIANS, JULY, 1778, OPPO- 
SITE KASKASKIA. FROM A PAINTING IN THE 
ILLINOIS STATE HOUSE 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 1X1 

capture a small settlement fifteen miles out, then a larger town, St. Philip, 
and Cahokia, distant seventy-five miles from Kaskaskia, which we did 
the next day without firing a shot. We found these people raisers and 
traders in products, as well as cattle, hogs and horses; traders also in 
furs and meats along the Mississippi." 

Having assured the Kaskaskians that they had nothing 
to fear if they were loyal to the American Government, and 
leaving a part of his men to take command of the fort, the 
Rangers pushed on to the other garrison, Cahokia, sixty 
miles further north. 

"Then we marched on and took Cahokia," is the way 
Robert Patterson tells it in a letter. It sounds easy, but 
what problems of diplomacy, of executive daring, of patience 
and faith were solved in compassing tlie sulijugation of the 
country and the ]3eople! The former was a tangled wilder- 
ness of trees and streams, the latter were a motley conglom- 
eration of Creoles, Indians, British and French. 

"Resting men and horses a few days," says Sergeant Pat- 
terson, "we started to follow slowly a priest and citizens 
ahead of us on a peaceful mission to Post St. Vmcent, and 
lay concealed in camp on the Wabash until we spied the 
American flag on the fort. I then despatched a messenger 
to Kaskaskia, and moved camp near border of the town to 
wait orders, meanwhile keeping on friendly terms with the 
tribes." 

Colonel Clark endeavored to establish a civil government 
and to enroll a regiment or more of troops in Illinois. He 
enlisted the aid of the French priest, Pere Gibault, to induce 
the Cahokians to take the oath of allegiance. Bloodshed he 
wished to avoid, as each successive collision mflamed both 
sides to pitiless hostilities; but di})lomacy was difficult. 
Roosevelt says: "With a handful of unruly backwoodsmen 
imperfectly disciplined and kept under control only by his per- 
sonal influence he had to protect and govern a region as large 



182 CONCKRNING TIIK K()i;i:i'ATHERS 

as any European kingdom; nioroover, ho liad to krop conlont 
and loyal a population of alien race, creed and language, 
while he held his own against the British and numerous tribes 
of Indians, as Ijloodthirsty and treacherous as they were 
warlike." At last, by assuming the demeanor of a con- 
queror, offering bribes for loyalty and good behavior, enun- 
ciating threats unspeakable against bad conduct, inspiring 
his own men and officers with enthusiasm and devotion, 
Clark achieved his purpose. Cahokia vowed allegiance, and 
the Northwest became American tei'i-itoiy. 

Robert Patterson continued with the army until the 
whole region acknowledged itself subject to the Govern- 
ment; but desiring to return to his Kentuckj^ possessions 
he declined a commission, and in October was ordered with. 
the Rangers to join Maj. William Linn and Quartermaster 
Isaac Bowman, to guard Capt. Rochel)lave and the other 
British prisoners as far as central Kentucky, en route to 
the Governor of Virginia at Williamsburg. Capt. John 
Montgomery accompanied the escort as bearer of des- 
patches and in charge of the prisoners and a large bulk 
of important official papers and correspondence captured 
with them. 

Major Linn, with a jiortion of the command, halted at 
the Ohio Falls, where the>' were ordered to build a fort 
on the Kentucky shore.* Here Patterson and the volun- 
teers, including the Rangers, whose term had exj^ired, 
were mustered out, but continued with Captain Mont- 
gomeiy and the prisoners as far as Dicks Ri^"er. Here 
the Rangers were relieved, and disbanding, scattered 
to their homes. Captain Montgomery, being given other 
^ guards, continued the march with his prisoners and des- 
patches to the capital of Virginia. 

The home journey was not without its perils. At the 

* This waa the beginning of Loxiisville. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 183 

close of the first day's travel, the Kentucky Rangers camped 
on the north bank of Turkey Foot Fork of Eagle Creek, one 
of the many small tributaries of the Kentucky River. They 
"spancelled out" their horses (the two fore-feet loosely 
tied together), took out their provisions, and commenced 
their simple repast in the early twilight. Patterson, with 
two friends, Allison and Brown, was seated at the root of a 
small white oak tree against which stood their rifles. The 
first intimation of the presence of the enemy was a shot 
from a party of Indians which killed James Brown. Patterson 
seized Allison's gun, through mistake, which he discovered 
when he had run a few steps, and returning, gave Allison 
his rifle and took his own. He made for the creek and 
jumped down a little cove, but was afraid to ford the 
branch, knowing that the noise would attract the attention 
of the Indians. He therefore scrambled up the bank and 
through thick brush, some fifty or a hundred yards off, 
reaching a spot where the dry leaves had been scratched 
off by wild turkeys. Here he could pursue his way without 
noise. For the first time Patterson turned his eyes in the 
direction of the camp, satisfied that he was not pursued, and 
at this moment saw the flash of a rifle a short distance 
down. He made his escape, walking all night, and reached 
Lexington before morning with the loss of horse, saddle and 
baggage. 

The next day a small party from Lexington, led by 
Patterson, visited the scene of the night's disaster. Brown 
was found lying at the root of the tree, scalped and stripped, 
a bullet having passed directly through his head and lodged 
in the oak. Allison was found a short distance up the branch, 
tomahawked, scalped, stripped, and with his thigh broken 
by a rifle bullet. Patterson attributed his own escape to 
the fact that he ran in an opposite direction from the Indian 
party, with the white oak tree to screen him from theii" 



184 CONCERNINd THE FOREFATHERS 

view until he reached the branch, not more tlian twenty 
}'ard.s distant. 

Despite the short stay that Robert Patterson made 
on this spot of ground, most of the time occupied by 
the attack, he seems to have had opportunity to make a 
chiim by cutting " R. P." on a tree. This piece of hmd, 
Hke the Cane Run lands near Lexington, became the sub- 
ject of endless lawsuits. Years after, when Robert Patter- 
son lived in Dayton, and the claims of later owners clashed, 
he sent his deposition to Lexington in reference to the 
Turkey Foot Fork lands. The name was given the stream 
from the branching mouth of Eagle Creek, which was spread 
into three divisions like the foot of a wdld turkey. The 
"R. P." on a big oak remained for many years after and 
fixed his claim. 

The Henry L. Brown papers say: 

"Details of Colonel Clark's successes in Illinois as narrateil by Captain 
Montgomery at Williamsburg, and the presence of Captain Rocheblave 
and other British prisoners, created a fever of excitement. The Mrginia 
legislature recognized the importance of the conquest by immediate and 
unanimous vote of thanks to Colonel Clark and his soldiers." 

Five years later, the State, ceding the territory to the 
general Government, reserved one hundred and fifty thou- 
sand acres for officers and men engaged in the conquest of 
Illinois. 

This Virginia law granted one hundred and eight 
acres to each soldier, and to Robert Patterson as sergeant, 
two hundred and sixteen acres.* 

An understanding prevailed in the Patterson family, 
• within the recollection of Jefferson Patterson and his sisters, 
that this Indiana land was afterward given by Robert to 

IG acre:^ in Oivisiun 109 of Clark's grant, as surveyed, and 200 acres in 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 1S5 

William; possibly as one of the considerations in closing 
their Inisiness affairs on separation in the year 1785, at which 
time they owned in common a large herd of cattle and other 
accumulations. 

Upon recommendation of Colonel Clark, "For daring serv- 
ices in the advance through the wilderness, for the gallant 
dash into Kaskaskia ; for meritorious conduct in the capture 
of Cahokia, and as Commander of the independent expedi- 
tion to Post St. Vincent," Sergeant Patterson was honored 
with his first commission, that of ensign (second lieutenant) 
in Capt. Levi Todd's company at Harrodsburg, signed by 
Patrick Henry, Governor of Virginia. William Patterson 
was enrolled in the same company. 

At the reenlistment for the Illinois expedition by Robert 
Patterson and his men on Corn Island in .lune, 1778, to which 
reference has been made, Clark had informed his command 
for the first time of his intention to attack the British forts. 
He then read the letter signed by G. Mythe, G. Mason and 
Thomas Jefferson, giving their opinion that Virginia should 
allow "each volunteer enlisting as a common soldier in this 
expedition three hundred acres of land, and the officers in 
the usual proportion, out of the land which may be conquered 
in the country now in possession of the Indians, and for this 
we think you may safely confide in the justice and generosity 
of the Virginia Assembly." Had this been carried out, Rob- 
ert Patterson's certificate would have been for six hundred 
acres. 

While Robert was engaged in the Illinois campaign, 
William had been raising corn at Harrod's, the Kentucky 
settlement having escaped molestation. Robert, as we 
know, had other things in his mind besides Indians and 
British. The home instinct, fostered by the memory of 
Elizabeth Lindsay patiently awaiting her lover in Penn- 



186 



CONCERNING TIIK KOHKFATHERS 



sylvania, was stirring; him to find a quiet habitation and to 
esta})Iish himself permanently in the new country. The fall 
of 1778 found the Patterson crops harvested and cribbed, 
the live stock safely housed for the winter at Harrod's; and 
now the elder brother beg;an to plan for a home with a wife 
in it. But orders from the Clovernment changed for a time 
these plans. It was thought best to strengthen the frontier 
with additional posts, and in March, 1779, Patterson re- 



ceived orders from 
garrison at some 
of the Kentucky 

It was also 
Patterson's 
conduct in 
of Illinois 
him for the 
independent 
that these 
issued. Given 
location for 
post, which 
mately grow 
what more nat 
the new com - 
choose the spot 
chet had marked a 
own cabin and crops 




E OF THE PIONEER 
THE EIGHTEENTH 
CENTURY 



Virginia to establish a 
uitable place north 
River. 

to recognize 
meritorious 
the conquest 
and to give 
first time an 
command 
orders were 
the choice of 
a military 
would ulti- 
into a town, 
al than that 
nder should 
his own hat- 
claim and where his 
of corn established 



the title? The execution of the Government order resulted in 
the actual founding of Lexington. Robert Patterson, with 
twenty-five men (the nucleus of that famous regiment that he 
commanded later), marched from Harrodsburg to the forks of 
the Elkhorn and there began to make an extended clearing. 

Robert Patterson nowhere gives the names of all his 
associates in this enterprise, but Collins, in his "History of 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 187 

Kentucky," states that among them were James Morrison, 
Samuel Johnson, David Mitchell, Josiah Collins, James Par- 
berry, Alexander and William McConnell, Hugh Shannon, 
John Maxwell, James Masterson, James Duncan, and the 
Lindsay brothers. These fourteen men and their companions 
proceeded to build the beginnings of Lexington. 

Trees were felled and split in halves to use in the stockade 
walls. The whole logs were kept for the block-house. At 
first the fort consisted of a single block-house surrounded 
by a stockade, and for the first winter Patterson, John 
Maxwell, James Masterson, William and Alexander Mc- 
Connell and the two Lindsays occupied the block-house. 
The rest of the men sheltered themselves by bark coops 
within the stockade. Ranck, in his "History of Lexington," 
says : 

"The party reached its destination the last day of the month, and 
encamped for rest and refreshment at the magnificent spring whose 
grateful waters in unusual volume emptied into a stream nearby, whose 
green banks were gemmed with the brightest flowers, and bright and 
early the next day, April first, the axes of the stout pioneers were at work. 
Trees were felled, a space cleared, and a block-house surrounded by a 
stockade and commanding the spring was soon under headway. This 
rude but powerful defense was quickly completed without unnecessary 
labor. Logs for the walls were chopped with ports and the structin-e 
raised. Long side clapboards rough rived with ax and firmly secured 
by wooden pins, formed the roof; puncheon floor, heavy slab door, and 
these with openings for light and ti) carry off the smoke, constituted the 
block-house 

"The block-house was succeeded in 1788 by a frame; in 1807 by 
what was then called a splendid two-story brick, and in 1871 the four- 
story inn which still naarks the spot where the settlement of Lex- 
ington commenced. The spring near the block-house was the principal 
one of the series of springs now concealed by a number of Main Street 
buildings. When Lexington grew to be a 'Station' the spring was 
embraced within the stockade, an<l supplied the garrison with water, 
and when the fort was removed the spring was deepened and walled for 



18S 



CONCERNING THI'] FOREFATHERS 



the Ix'nrfit of tho whole town; a large tank for horses receiving the sur- 
plus of water, for years known far and wide as the 'public spring' of 
Lexington. 



"The block-house being coni[>iele(i was at once occupiccl by iMisign 
Patterson and his company, including John Maxwell, James Masterson, 
William and Alexander McConnell, James, Arthur and Joseph Lindsay, 
who r.-iised :i cioii nf corn on the gi-oiind now covered by Cheapside, the 

court house and part of 
-Main Street, and all other 
preparations were made to 
insure a permanent settle- 
ment." 




?SK? 



T^r-if];: I'nj^ -''^:- On the occasion of 

A ^''''''''^^^^^^■^-■'■K the centennial celebra- 
iJ^:y^\^:jiJ^-.:'^j^^^ tion on April second, 
'•-^V^T^ 1879, of the "Settle- 
ment of Lexington, 
Kentucky," George W. 
>^^ Ranck, in his address, said: 



THE .STOCK.\DE 

.VND BLOCK-HOU.SE 

.\T LEXINGTON 



" Here, in the heart of a \'ir- 
ginia wilderness, and by Kentucky 
pioneers, was erected the first 
monument ever raised on this 
continent to the first dead of the 
American Revolution, and here three years later, in the midst of a 
revolution which has given hope to the world — in the center of a 
country which Hoone declared was a ' second Paradise,' and watching 
with till' rifii' wliilo tliey hewed with the axe, Robert Patterson, William 
McConnell, John Maxwell, James Masterson, Joseph Lindsay, James 
Lindsay, Alexander McConnell and their comrades erected and defended 
that solitary spot around which the events of a century have clustered. 
Patterson was the commander and leailing spirit of the block-house, 
conspicuous for his military talents and gallant services against the 
common foe. He headed the desperate forays of its little garrison, and 
was bullet-scarred and battle-gashed before the age of thirty. William 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON ISO 

McConnell, a Virginian, chief of McConnell's Station in 1783, the 
friend of Boone, and one of the most energetic and prominent 
of the garrison, was the right hand man of commanding officer 
Patterson. 

"The Lindsays [brothers-in-law of Robert Patterson] were among 
the most noted and sagacious of the early scouts, doing inestimable 
service for the settlers of the dark and bloody grounds, born as they 
were for pioneer times and sudden emergencies, fighting with signal 
ability and honor in most of the important expeditions against the Indians 
and British. Alexander McConnell, known to every reader of Kentucky 
history as the hero of one of the boldest and most thrilling exploits in 
the annals of the West, was a brother of Ensign Patterson's trusted sub- 
altern, and was killed in the Battle of Blue Licks. Such were the men, 
who with their dauntless companions guarded the Kentucky frontier and 
made possible the homes of to-day." 

Only three months after the building of the Lexington fort 
Patterson and detachment went five miles north of Lexington 
to assist William Bryan and three brothers in bnilding Bryan's 
Station, and while thus occupied were called away to form 
a part of the command in the Bowman expedition of June, 
1779, that first disastrous and mortifying defeat of the Ken- 
tuckians at the hands of the Miami tribes. There were in 
the expedition, as Patterson states, " one hundred and sixty 
men accustomed to Indian fighting, well officered, except 
in the person of the commander," who started for the 
Shawanoese villages on the Little Miami. The depredations 
of these Indians had been incessant and it was judged wise, 
upon consultation, to follow them to their homes and put an 
end to their capacity for warfare. Colonel Bowman and 
command reached the Indian villages * one night m July. 
Sending Logan's regiment half way around the village of 
sleepmg savages, the others were ordered to the opposite side 
to signal a general attack when the columns should meet. 
The accidental discharge of a rifle by one of Bowman's 

* The present site of DM Towu. seventeen miles east o{ Uayton. 



190 



rONCEHNlNCi TIIK FORKKATHEHS 



men alaniKMl the village.* Logan, Todd, Patterson and 
Harrod charged, and were fighting their way to victory 
without Bowman or his men, when the lattei" astonished 
them with a command to retreat. 

It can be imagined with what reluctance this order was 
obeyed. Under either Logan, Todd or Patterson the attack 
would have 1)een entirely successful; as it was, the regiment 
withdrew, having captured one hundred and sixty horses 
and a quantity of stores. Thus what might have been a 
splendid victory remained a colossal blunder from which 
the Kentuckians sviffered during the months that followed. 
The Lidians, with their women and children, had collected 
in the largest cabins, leaving thirty or forty 
huts unprotected, which the Kentuckians im- 
mediate! }' biu'ned. It was thought imprudent 
to storm the defended cal)ins, as the 
Indian forces outnumbered the whites. 
Therefore all property was destroyed, and 
the Kentuckians started homewards, Pat- 
terson's company defending the rear. For 
-^ eight or ten miles, as far as the present 
site of Dayton, the Indians pursued and 
harassed them by scattering fire. Twice 
Bowman formed his men into a square 
and attempted an open engagement, but 
the savages refused to meet them. As soon 
as the march was resumed, the attack was 
resumed. At length a determined rush was 
made by the mounted officers, and the 
Indians were routed. This was the first time, 
but not the last, that Robert Patterson set 
foot in the Miami Valley. It was this ex- 
pedition of which George Rogers ('lark com- 
plained that it had invaded the Miami Valley 

_^_- , *A portion of tliis biittli'-ileld came into possession of liol.ort 

■;•■-■■■'■' I'iitterson twentv-four vcai h later, upon whidi was liuiil a mill 

.;•:.■■■'■•■ operate.! I.y himself an.l sor. Kraneis for twenty-three years. 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 191 

instead of joining him in the Ilhnois country for a move- 
ment up the Wabash to take Detroit. 

This was the end of two years' campaigning for Robert 
Patterson. Although at the outset he was but just recovering 
from wounds, not an hour of sickness or suffering had he 
experienced, nor had he been off duty for any reason since 
returning from Pennsylvania. His crops being harvested 
and many cabins around Lexington completed, he found 
remunerative employment with the land commissioners and 
surveyors sent out by Virginia to adjust claims. This gave 
opportunity to fix the record of lands taken up for himself 
and for his father and brothers, which preemptions aggre- 
gated quite five thousand acres, at a cost, it is said, of forty 
cents per acre.* 

The land which Patterson owned at that time,! embraced 
all the southwest part of the present city of Lexington, 
commencing at Locust (now Mexico) Street, and extending 
southwest to and beyond the Fair Grounds; bounded on the 
east by "Curd's Road" (now South Broadway), and on 
the north by "Scott's Road " (now Versailles pike). Far- 
ther south, across "Davis Bottom," now occupied by the 
depots and yards of the Cincinnati Southern railroad, was 
all Patterson land, and beyond the latter, the present 
Lexington Fair Grounds and track of the Kentucky 
Trotting Association. In fact, his possessions included all 
of South Lexington lying between the Versailles pike 
and South Broadway as far as the Fair Grounds. This 
tract, now so valuable, was sold by Robert Patterson to 
Richard Huggins and others after his removal to Dayton 
in 1804.t 

The four hundred acres called by him the " Sinking Spring 
Tract " embraced the grounds of the present lunatic asylum 
and many streets and blocks besides. Fully one-half the area 
of the present Lexington belonged to him. All these grants 

* H. L. Brown papers. t See map — Appendix. 

} W. U. Prilk. Lexington, Ky., from nhl records. 



192 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



of fertile acres made him an extensive landed proprietor and 
entitled him to rank as the first citizen, commercially speak- 
ing, of the town of Lexington. How he stood in other respects 
as a citizen will be told later. 

Joseph and James Lindsay had ai-rived in Kentucky 
about this time, l)ringing letters from home, among them 
letters from their sister Elizabeth to Robert Patterson, to 
whom she was betrothed. These were tender messages in 
praise of his heroism, prayers for his preservation, encourage- 
ment of his efforts to establish a home for her in the 
wilderness. In spite of hard work and perilous warfare, the 
blood ran in Rol^ert's veins like spring sap in the maple 
trees. The cane was abloom on the Elkhorn fiat lands, 
the cardinal birds sang from the bushes, and life was all 
love and hope and the promise of hapj^iness to come. 



C^ 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON— (Continued) 

Robert Patterson marries Elizabeth 
Lindsay; wedding festivities and journey 
TO Kentucky; the new home; emigration 
INTO Kentucky; George Rogers Clark's 
Miami expedition; the hard winter; defense 
OF Bryan's Station; battle of Blue Licks; 
Patterson's life saved by Aaron Reynolds; 
THE Logan campaign of 1786. 



^sf"^ 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON— (Continued) 

" The mothers of our [crest land, 
Their bosoms pillowed men: 
And proud were they by such to stand 

In hammock, fort or glen: 
To load the sure old rifle, 
To run the leaden ball, 
To watch a fighting husband's place, 
And fill it should he fall." 

Henry T. Stanton. 

the midst of these exciting years Robert Pat- 
terson stole time from his Indian campaigns and 
his hardly tilled crops to take a wife. The 
engagement to Elizabeth Lindsay had lasted 
three years, and he was impatient to see her in 
the new log house as its queen and mistress. So, 
in the winter of 1779-1780 (celebrated in Kentucky 
annals as "the hard winter") he obtained leave of absence 
from the Station, and after being delayed by severe weather 
and the impassable condition of the buffalo traces (still the 
only roads for wagons) until late in February, he and a 
company of young men started on horseback for Fort Pitt. 
From that point he rode alone to his father's home in Bed- 
ford County, Pennsylvania. He lost no time in seeing his 
sweetheart at Falling Springs and renewing his betrothal 
vows. Afterwards he visited his grandfather on the Sweet 
Arrow farm in Lancaster County, where so much of his boy- 
hood had been spent. On his return to his father's home^ a 
195 




196 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



party was made vip to accompany him to Falling Springs for 
the wedding. 

In the party were William Nisbet, whose son afterwards 
married Robert Patterson's daughter; John Patterson and 
son John ("Shaker John"), the latter not over ten years of 
age, but who for fifty years thereafter was looked upon as 
"Sir Oracle" in family history and legend;* one or more 
other Lancaster County relatives, with several brothers, 
sisters and friends of Robert Patterson, forming a gay caval- 
cade on this romantic errand through the woods. It took 
two weeks for the party to assemble from Lancaster County. 
They were hospitably welcomed and entertained at the Lind- 
say's, and John Patterson wrote : f 

"The Lindsay home, a beautiful large mansion with stone columns 
and broad porches, convenient to the Falling Springs from which the 
seat takes its name, was surrounded by extensive grazing lands. The 
Lindsays owned the mills and several thousand acres of forests and 
meadows and many herds of fine cattle. The house and surrounding 
buildings were occupied by a large company of the family connection 
and friends from various points, people of position and influence. With 
these we were entertained several days in generous fashion." 

The ceremony took place just at noon on the twenty- 
ninth of March, 1780, the bride being just twenty, the 
groom seven years her senior. John Patterson says: 

"The wedding dinner, a rich feast of game and viands on tables in 
the grove, was a great feature of the frohc of several days of feasting 
and merry making, in which Robert Patterson and bride were preparing 
for the journey West. With pack horses laden with gifts of cabin fur- 
nishings, provisions, etc., accompanied by Ehzabeth's brothers, Henry 
and William Lindsay, and the latter's wife and family with quite a party 
of friends and other young relatives as escort, Mr. and Mrs. Patterson 
set out for the Bedford home of the groom's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fran- 
cis Patterson. Besides a handsome saddle horse for herself, the bridal 



* H. L. B. papers. 
^ Preserved by his 



1 Culbertson Patterson; a copy in the li. L. B. papers. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 197 

presents included pack horses and jjanniers, silver and pewter plate, 
blankets, clothing, and a few articles of furniture now held as precious 
heirlooms in families of descendants. 

" Hearty greetings awaited the bridal party at the Patterson home, 
where farewell festivities continued two days; then began the ride over 
mountain roads toward the West; roads already occupied by lines of 
movers, for that was a great year of emigration to Kentucky. The 
Patterson party, eleven persons, was ten days reaching Fort Pitt, lodging 
in taverns or wayside cabins, except one night of pleasant bivouac expe- 
rience in the woods after leaving Fort Ligonier. At Fort Pitt the cabin 
outfit was added to and a house boat purchased, named 'Ehzabeth' 
in honor of the bride, and a staunch 'Broadhorn' for the horses and 
other freight required a day or so to procure. On April fourteenth the 
voyage down the river began." 

The long days of floating on the shiggish Ohio, with its 
panoramic banks and wooded hills, might have made an 
ideal wedding journey had it not been for the constant fear 
of attack by Indians. We may imagine that the young 
husband did not fail to point out along the bank the scenes 
of his terrible experience of four years before. Indians were 
several times in sight on one shore, while from the other 
safety signals were given by scouts concealed in the bush; 
but no unpleasant incident occurred, the party finally dis- 
embarking at Limestone [Maysville]. The journey was 
made across the country by way of Blue Licks to Lexington, 
where the retm'ning commandant and his bride were re- 
ceived with joyous greetings lasting well into the night. 

Mrs. Patterson, telling of her bridal trip, said she felt no 
special fear of the Indians seen along the river, for crowds of 
emigrants were coming over the country, and the stream 
was dotted with other family boats carrying parties like their 
own to Kentucky. This was the fearlessness of inexperience, 
for she had not yet seen any of the terrors of frontier life. She 
felt no regret at leaving home, nor dread of the future, except 
for a short moment when dismounting from her horse she 
stepped into their cabin home. It consisted of a single room, 



198 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



with no fireplace, and partially filled with rough chairs, block 
stools, table and bed. There was a low-roofed loft, reached 
b}' climbing from a block placed on the fixed table. She had 
come from a well-cultivated farm in a thickly settled part 
of the State of Pennsylvania, with a larger population than 




FIKs^T HOME OF ROBERT PATTERSON 



at present ; had lived in a stone 

house, well furnished according to 

the fashion and requirements of 

the day, and where neighbors were 

plenty and the resources of living 

abundant. The only modern parallel one 

can think of is that of a girl brought up in one of the fine 

suburban homes of St. Louis being transplanted to an adobe 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 199 

hut in central Mexico. But Mrs. Patterson was strong, 
confident and faithful; much more, she was in love with 
her young husband. And so the new home began. 

"The feeling of hesitation passed quickly and forever," 
said Mrs. Patterson, "when the women of the Fort came in 
to welcome me and began showing beautiful furs and pelts 
to adorn our floor, walls and bed. The kettles, oven and 
other utensils my husband had provided for my coming 
were the best to be had on the border. Such was our first 
cabin home, a sweet home always." * 

A month later the bodies of two of the garrison were 
brought in from one of the trails, killed by horse-stealing 
Indians, and then the young bride began to realize what 
frontier life was. A short time after, Alexander McConnell 
while hunting was captured, but escaped. But the garrison 
continued to plant corn and to tend the crops, with rifles at 
hand and armed pickets on all sides for protection. When 
there was special alarm Mrs. Patterson and the other women 
stayed within the stockade, with the gates barred all day and 
rifles loaded for emergency. The strain was relieved in the 
evening by the greeting of husbands and fathers returning 
safely from the fields. 

As the young people in whom we are most interested 
were establishing their home in the new country, the same 
story was being repeated in all parts of the State. During 
the latter quarter of the century there was a continual stream 
of emigration from East to West. Reports of the extraor- 
dinary fertility of Kentucky and Ohio lands, together with 
the large inducement of land grants to settlers, operated 
to attract many men of family to what was then the " Far 
West." It has been described by early writers in superlative 
phrase: grass grew tall and rank; clover grazed 
the horses' knees as they galloped through a sea of M 




200 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

blossoms; oaks, locusts and beeches spread to enormous size, 
as many as one hundred to an acre. Everything was pro- 
fuse, hixuriant and prohfic, compared ^vith the bleak, stony 
hillsides of New England. No wonder that the settlers 
thought they were in what Daniel Boone called a "Second 
Paradise." 

The natural inlet for travel towards this second paradise 
would seem to be the Ohio River, which with its south and 
west borne current might take the settlers into the heart of 
the new country. But we have seen that it was many times 
nothing less than a death trap. It has been written by a 
historian of those times (Thomas Speed) that "It required 
courage of the highest order to put out from the post (at 
Pittsburg) for a river voyage of weeks and no friendly shelter 
or harbor at which to stop on the way. A more pitiable 
plight is not conceivable than a cargo of emigrants on a rude, 
drifting craft, fifteen feet wide by forty or fifty feet in length, 
helpless on the bosom of the Ohio, receiving a murderous 
fire from the banks." Another writer says :* "Travellers spoke 
of 'going into' or 'coming out of the west as though 
it were a mammoth cave. Such were the herculean difficul- 
ties of travel that it was commonly said that despite the dan- 
gers of life in the unconquered land, if pioneers could live to 
get into the west nothing could, thereafter, daunt them." 
The land route was as long and difficult as the water. 

In 1780 the road from Fort Washington (Cincinnati) 
to Philadelphia, the seat of Government, when the messenger 
was proceeding under orders " with all dispatch," was as 
follows: First, to Lexington, Kentucky; thence to Cumber- 
land Gap, Botetourt and Staunton, Virginia; Hagerstown, 
Maryland; York, Lancaster and Philadelphia, Pa. — a distance 
of eight hundred and twenty-six miles, a three weeks' trip- 
The southerly part of this route was known as the " Wilder- 

• Waller Hulbert in Ohio Arch, and ILst. Quarterly. April. 19(11. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 201 

ness Road," in the first place merely a buffalo run, but 
widened gradually by the many emigrant wagons that fol- 
lowed each other toward the West. Train after train of 
cattle and emigrant wagons passed over this road, the horse- 
men going both before and behind to guard the procession 
against a treacherous attack of savages. 

Some of the travelers coming from the East on the water- 
ways or "buffalo traces" were, like the Pattersons, Scotch-Irish 
emigrants from bleak latitudes under the dominion of tyrants. 
Some were from the rocky lands of New England, where, as 
Bill Nj^e describes them, * " The people were kept busy 
digging clams to sustain life in order to raise Indian corn 
enough to give them sufficient strength to pull clams enough 
the following winter to get them through till the next corn 
crop should give them strength to dig clams again." 

But here was a land without tyrants or rocks or sand 
hills ; without clams, it is true, but with room and soil enough 
to raise Indian corn and babies; an area of hills and valleys 
covered with rich forests of beech, oak, ash and hickory, 
walnut and cherry, maple and sycamore, linden and pine; 
of plains covered with blue grass, cane and clover ; the streams 
full of fish, and the woods of game. Buffalo and deer stalked 
among the herbage; birds sang in the branches; the streams 
whitened their banks with salt deposit; the surface rocks 
showed indications of coal, iron and saltpeter; the cardinal- 
flower illuminated the ledges of sandstone, and the rhodo- 
dendron clothed the mountain sides with glowing beauty. 
Ever5nvhere the earth, the air and the water seemed created 
to supply man's wants, both physical and aesthetic. What 
wonder that the rumor of this Eldorado across the AUeghenies 
brought an endless procession of immigrants with its back 
turned upon civilization and its face toward the setting sun! 

The wagons were filled with furniture, merchandise and 

* History of the United States. 




202 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

bright-eyed children, and a family watch-dog trotted behind. 
Twelve miles a day after this fashion was good traveling. 
Sometimes two feather beds were strapped on either side 
of the gentlest horse, the nest between them holding the 
babies — a good arrangement, provided the horses did not 
walk into an overhanging hornets' nest, which sometimes 
happened. Wild animals were before and behind them, and a 
meal of fresh meat was to be had within easy range of the rifle. 
At night the travelers camped around a bark fire, ate fish from 
the streams, or broiled venison, and went to sleep under the 
stars after a prayer that the God who kept them at home would 
shelter them on their journey. The days were bright and 
clear, the woods teeming with game, the land a rich, dark 
loam which promised well for crops, and the futiu'e seemed 
enticing and happy. 

This, however, is the bright side of the picture. The 
Collins family, who helped Robert Patterson to settle Lex- 
ington, had severe experiences on the Wilderness Road. 
They started from Virginia in October. Cold weather came 
on early. It was the "hard winter," 1779-1780. Their 
stock died for want of pasture; game was scarce; the horses 
could scarcely pull the wagons, so the furniture and clothing 
had to be unloaded and left concealed by the roadside, where 
they were afterwards found and confiscated by the Indians. 
The father had chills and fever, which were augmented by 
wading through half-frozen streams, and the children cried 
all night from cold and hunger. A little boy,* whose story 
is told in a History of Kentucky, and who, as we shall hear, 
was the first one to perceive Captain Patterson returning 
from the battle of Blue Licks, says that the one comfortable 
hour the children had was when standing in the warm entrails 
of a deer which his father had shot, watching his mother 
toast slices of venison liver on a stick. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 203 

A Kentucky statesman writing in 1843 gives this graphic 
description of the sufferings of the overland emigrants : 

"Through privations incredible and perils thick, thousands of men, 
women and children came in successive caravans, forming continuous 
streams of human beings, horses, cattle and other domestic animals, all 
moving onward along a lonely and houseless path to a wild and cheerless 
land. Cast your eyes back on that long procession of missionaries in the 
cause of civilization; behold the men on foot with their trusty guns on 
their shoulders driving stock and leading pack-horses; and the women, 
some walking with pails on their heads, others riding with children in 
their laps and other children swung in baskets on horses fastened to the 
tails of others going before; see them encamped at night expecting to 
be massacred by Indians; behold them in the month of December in 
that ever memorable season of unprecedented cold called the 'Hard 
winter,' traveling two or three miles a day, frequently in danger of being 
frozen or killed by the falling of horses on the icy and almost impassable 
trace, and subsisting on stinted allowances of stale bread and meat. 
But now lastly look at them at the destined fort — perhaps on the eve 
of Merry Christmas — when met by the hearty welcome of friends who 
had come before, and cheered by fresh buffalo meat and parched corn, 
they rejoice at their deliverance and resolve to be contented with their 
lot."* 

From such experiences as these the settlers passed to the 
comparative luxury of the log cabin; bvit even here life was 
neither easy nor pleasant. To us it would be wholly unen- 
durable. The recent arrival at one of the stations — Bryan's, 
McClellan's or Lexington, as the case might have been — 
could depend upon the neighbors to help him raise the walls 
of his building and get his family under roof for the winter. 
Such a cabin was the rudest shelter, and contained only the 
rudimentary necessaries of life. The fireplace, built of mud- 
daubed sticks, took up almost the whole side of the house and 
let down more cold air than the fire on the hearth could cope 
with. The one window was a hole in the logs, covered with 
paper satvu-ated with bear grease, and the door an opening 



' Chief Justice Robertson in an address at Camp Madison. Franklin Count 




204 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

over which hung a buffalo skin. The table was a broad 
puncheon, with splinters left on the surface from the adz, 
and with sticks thrust into auger holes for legs. Three- 
legged stools without backs were made in the same way. In 
a corner were driven into the floor forked sticks which sup- 
ported poles in the crotches, and the other ends of the poles 
were thrust into cracks between the log walls; over these were 
spread buffalo skins — and this was the bed. The cradle, 
a most necessary article of furniture in the pioneer house- 
hold, was simply a hollowed log with a hood left at the 
top to keep off draughts from a door or window. Old, 
old ladies, who were only little girls in those days, told their 
little girls that between the uneven floors and the more or 
less rough surface of the log cradle, the rocking of the baby in 
it hardly had a soothing effect. Such a cradle would travel 
quite around the room if the rocking were persistent and 
vigorous. 

The dishes were bowls hollowed out of dogwood. Two- 
pronged iron forks and pewter spoons were luxuries found 
upon a few tables. The cooking was done over the open fire, 
with what back-breaking efforts the housekeeper of to-day 
can hardly conceive. 

After the rearing of the cabin came the clearing of timber 
lands and the planting of corn, upon which depended the 
settler's title to his homestead, as well as the victualing of 
his table. This was no easy task for the men, but the boys 
had also to do their part. One pioneer historian* describes 
having to drive the plow over recently cleared forest land 
when he was but nine years old, and how, when the share 
ran afoul of a root, the plow handles would deal him a blow 
in the pit of the stomach. 

All sorts of heavy work fell to the lot of 
^\ the boys, whose descendants of the same age 

Dr. Daniel Drake, of Cincinnati. 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 



205 




have only recently emerged from the care of a nurse. 
Eight-year-old lads had to load sacks of corn on the horses 
with nice adjustment of portions so as to carry well, and 
ride the horses to the nearest neighbor who had a hand-mill. 
If there were no neighbor and no hand-mill, they had to 
pound corn in the home-made mortar until it was crushed 
fine enough to cook. If the horse's load shifted and fell 
off, or the fingers were bruised under the pestle, the little 
workman knew it was useless to cry, and he generally did 
not. Corn was cut, sheaves were bound, rails were split 
for fences (seventy-five being considered a fair day's ^r^ '^^ 
work for a boy of fourteen). The young pioneer 
"swingled" flax, carried water for the washmg, and 
helped to hollow out the slabs of buckeye which 
had to take the place of platters and bowls on the 
table. Four-year-old lads went for the cows, and learned to 
break twigs off the paw-paw bushes so as to find their way 
home again. A seven-year-old girl, the eldest of five 
children, found her work to do in aiding the busy mother. 
She knew how to milk a cow, provided her next younger 
sister kept it still in the corner of the lot. She could 
work the churn-dasher or keep the kettle of soap from 
boiling over while her mother was busy with the spinning. 
If she scrubbed the cabin floor, it was with a split broom 
which her brother had learned to make with a Barlow 
knife out of hickory sapling. If she did it well, both she and 
her iDrother got a doughnut browned nicely in the hot fat. The 
mother — oh, what wearisome days she must have had, with 
every little l^ody waiting to be clothed by her busy fingers and 
every stomach waiting to be filled by her exertions ! We find 
directions in old letters from one neighbor to another about 
dyeing the wool goods which had come from the backs of 
their own sheep and gone through their own looms. The 
inner bark of white walnut dyed them dull yellow; black 



206 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHKHS 

walnut, a dark brown; indigo, blue; and madder, a dingy 
sort of red. Oak bark with cypress in it su|)|)lied the ink 
the_y used, whose fading tints have robbed us of much pioneer 
history. If the Garrards, the Andersons and the Pattersons 
have shown traits of patience in after Ufe, it may have been 
partly because they had to untangle the sheep's wool from 
the burrs caught in it from the bushes. What a kindergarten 
it was! "Learning by doing," indeed; and we are just begin- 
ning to call that principle the " New Education." 

What did they have to eat in those early Kentucky days ?* 
At first, nothing but buffalo jerk, which was a poor sort of 
dried beef, tough and stringy, and cut in thick pieces. Deer 
steaks were good eating when it was safe to go after them. 
There was no bread, and it is said that the pioneers came to 
dislike turkey breast as common sailors hate salt pork. Dur- 
ing one season, when the men were ordered off in the militia 
to protect a threatened settlement, the women and children 
ate boiled nettle tops for weeks at a time. Dr. Drake tells 
how, after weeks of meat diet, during a summer's journey 
over the mountains his mother saw a woman churning at one 
of the settlements, and, not liking to ask for a drink of butter- 
milk, went on to her own wagon and cried all night at the 
loss of such a treat. During the first year of residence in 
the new country, when the crops were still in the ground, the 
longing for bread and vegetables was hardly to be endured. 
With what joy they watched the first corn sprout! Even 
the baby helped to scare the crows from it. The little corn 
shoots meant roasting ears, parched corn. Johnny-cake 
baked before the fire on an ash shingle, and boiled Indian 
pudding with sweetening from the maple trees. All the salt 
had to be gotten by evaporation from the salt licks. The 

*"('orii (Jt)(lger.s dipped in maple juice he ate with thankfulness; 
An ox steak when the preacher came the family to bless; 
Rye coftee with molasses sweet; he never used a fork. 
But with his knife, ten months a year, poked down the salted pork." 

Written of Abraham Lincoln, by George Alfred Tovmsmd. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 207 

family cow, if she survived the tramp over the Wilderness 
Road, occupied almost the position of patron saint to the 
family. With fresh milk and Johnny-cake, what trials covild 
not be borne ! Each later arrival from the East brought 
garden seed and divided it among the neighbors — co-operation 
instead of competition being the law of life. Another season 
if the Indians let them alone, they could have watermelons 
and beans. Clothing, too, was primitive in style, though 
undoubtedly as vigorous in quality as the wearers of it. 
The women carded the buffalo wool, spun the thread, wove 
the cloth and made the clothes. When housekeeping became 
more advanced, they grew flax and treated it in the same 
way. The few good garments brought from the East did 
duty for best on rare occasions. 

It was to such a home and such a life that Robert 
Patterson brought his bride, and to that life both husband 
and wife brought their highest enthusiasms. 

Does it seem possible that with all these privations and 
toilsome days the settlers still had time and strength for 
any mere amusements? We read of quilting parties, 
husking bees and candy pullings, which made the little 
cabins ring with merriment, and of wrestling and boxing 
matches and foot races to try the prowess of the j'oung 
men. Sometimes a fiddle found its way into the wilder- 
ness to teach young feet the old mazourka step or the 
mazes of the Virginia reel. All these things served to off- 
set the three-hour sermons they had to endure from the 
itinerant preacher. 

One wonders how and where they did their courting in 
such crowded conditions of life, where little brothers and 
sisters swarmed around the fireside and slept in rows along 
the wall. That they accomplished it successfully we have 
indubitable proof; and as Reuben T. Durrett* says, in writmg 

'President of the Filson Cluli, of f.ouisville. Kv. 




208 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

of these times — "On essential points it was easy to remove 
the discussion to the open." 

The Lexington garrison had an abundance of suppUes for 
the long, bitter winter of 1779 and 1780, when settlers and 
live stock suffered and wild animals died in the forests of 
Kentucky and Virginia in as great numbers as in the territory 
northwest of the Ohio. Cattle and horses were protected 
within the Lexington stockade; buffalo, elk and deer gath- 
ered in deep snow around the gates, and were slaughtered 
for meat or perished in the cold. No work could be done in 
the clearings, nor were the garrisons called to perform usual 
military duties. There was no danger of Indian depredations, 
the savages remaining in their villages far north of the Ohio, 
shut in the cabins to escape freezing. 

Fine weather in the spring encouraged a renewal of 
immigration, Lexington having many newcomers who built 
cabins outside of the stockade at about the time of the return 
of Robert Patterson with his bride. But these improvements 
were checked in June liy the fate of Ruddell's and Martin's 
Stations. 

It was not long before Elizabeth Patterson began to 
realize what it was to be the wife of a Kentucky pioneer. 
She had seen the bodies of two murdered settlers brought into 
the fort in the days of her honeymoon. Her next experience 
of frontier life was on the second of August of that same year 
(1780), when she said farewell to her husband, summoned 
to command a company under George Rogers Clark against 
the Shawanoese villages on the Little Miami and Mad Rivers. 
The latter gathered his troops together at the mouth of the 
Kentucky River and proceeded to the Falls (Louisville), 
where others were already stationed — about six hundred 
in all. . . . The party then separated for the trip up 

the _„,^<<^^^ river, part going on one bank, part on 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 209 

the other, until they reached the present site of Cincinnati. 
There they built a block-house and left stores and some 
wounded men (they having been attacked on the way), 
and proceeded north toward the Indian settlements. 

On the sLxth day they reached Old Chillicothe on the 
Little Miami in Greene County, the town attacked by Colonel 
Bowman the year before, and found it in flames, it having 
been set on fire by the Indians when they fled at the approach 
of the soldiers. 

Clark's army camped on the ground that night, and 
the next day pursued the Indians as far as the Piqua towns, 
marching two days in a drenching rain, with thunder and 
lightning and strong wind. The men were soaked to the 
skin, and it was only with the greatest difficulty that they 
kept their powder dry. Their guns were useless for the time. 
They came in sight of the villages at sunrise on the eighth. 
Fires were built to dry the guns and make them ready for 
service. The troops crossed Mad River about a quarter of a 
mile below the town, and the advance guard were attacked by 
the Indians in a prairie of high weeds. There was sharp fight- 
ing for a short time and intermittent firing from both sides 
until five o'clock, when the Indians disappeared. 

At the camp fires wWch the Indians abandoned in their 
sudden retreat were several pots of smoking hominy which 
the soldiers, wearied with a forced ten-mile march, were 
beginning to enjoy; but Captain Patterson had no mind 
to have victory snatched from them in that ignoble 
fashion, and tipping the hominy over upon the ground with 
his foot, he bade the men continue their pursuit of the 
Indians. "Your business," he said, "is to fight, not to 
eat." The troops then pursued the savages until they were 
completely routed. 

Captain Patterson and his soldiers subsisted for some 
days upon the corn in the ear which was growing near the 




210 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

wigwams, but destroyed it all before they resumed their 
march towards Kentucky.* 

The loss on each side in this battle was about twenty. 
It is estimated that in the two Indian towns, Chillicothe and 
Piqua, more than five hundred acres of corn were destroyed, 
as well as quantities of vegetables. Of course every wigwam 
was burned, and arms and utensils confiscated. The value 
of this lay in the fact that the Indians, having no longer 
any corn to subsist on, were obliged to spend their time 
and powder and shot on game instead of white settlers, 
and the Kentucky pioneers had two years of comparative 
quiet to follow. "In this campaign," says Bradford, in his 
"Notes on Kentucky," "most of the men had no other 
provisions for twenty-five days than six quarts of Indian 
corn each, except the green corn and vegetables found at 
the Indian towns, and one gill of salt; and yet not a single 
complaint was heard to escape the lips of a solitary indi- 
vidual. All appeared to be impressed with the belief that 
if this army should be defeated few would be able to escape, 
and the Indians would fall on the defenseless women and 
children in Kentuck}^ and destroy the whole. From this 
view of the subject, every man was determined to conquer 
or die." It is one of the abstract lessons of history, that 
soldiers fight better on grounds of personal grievance than 
in defense of diplomatic complications. f 

This expedition accomplished the total destruction of the 
Miami encampments, and for the next year or two Kentucky 
was free from molestation. Thus, step by step, the 
land was wrested from its original owners, and step by 
step the original owners contested the right of way until 
the soil of both Ohio and Kentucky seemed to be 
drenched with the blood of the early pioneers and 

* Patterson papers, L. C. D. collection. 

t On the exact spot where this battle occurred afterward lived Col. John Johnston 
whose fourth daughter, Julia, became the daughter-in-law of Captain Patterson. 



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ROBEKT Patterson's commission as captain 

IN VIRGINIA militia, SIGNED BY THOMAS JEF- 
FERSON 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 211 

planted with their bones. Now, when the young descend- 
ants of those stubborn pioneers, on their hoUday tramps 
afield, pick up a flint arrow-head in a gully along the Miami 
River, or take a blunt stone battle-ax from some corn-field 
bathed by Mad River, does it mean to them more than a 
mere chance happening? It should be a sign of their own 
inheritance and their own responsibility. 

Later in the j^ear (1780) the question of reorganization 
of the military became of general interest in Kentucky. 
Upon recommendation of the Fayette County Court, John 
Todd was made colonel of the county; Daniel Boone, lieu- 
tenant-colonel; and Robert Patterson a captain of Virginia 
volunteers; his commission dated April seventh, 1781, signed 
b}^ Thomas Jefferson, Governor. 

Captain Patterson had command of the Lexington com- 
pany in the march for relief of Bryan's Station, May 
twentieth. After recounting former services, Robert Pat- 
terson says: 

"I commanded the troops for relief of Bryan's Station in August, 
1782, and commanded one of the hnes in the Todd battle of the Blue 
Licks. I met General Clark in council of war at Harrod's and in a few 
days marched as Colonel of a regiment to the rendezvous on the Ohio 
at the mouth of the Licking River, for destruction of the Piqua Shaw- 
anoese town on the Great Miami and Laramies. Besides a number of 
other scrimmages in the Revolutionary War, I was in ten engagements 
where men were killed on both sides, in two of which we lost one half 
of our men. I was their point blank mark five hours, returning bullet 
for bullet, and I believe with best success." 

It was following the Miami campaign in 1782 that 
Robert Patterson received his commission as Colonel in the 
mihtia and proceeded to guard the Kentucky lands from 
attack. 

In that year the north side of Kentucky was in one 
county, called Fayette. Five stations, or forts, included 



212 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

all of the inhabitants — Lexington, McConnell's, Bryan's, 
Boone's and McGee's. On the first of June, 1782, Patter- 
son received orders from John Todd, colonel commandant 
of the county, to guard and patrol the whole frontier.* In 
Robert Patterson's own story of this short and unimportant 
expedition is an amusing incident which illustrates his dis- 
like of profanity and his practical efforts as a reformer.! 
He says: 

''On the tenth, as ordered, forty men including officers paraded, and 
next day marched from the commissary with four pounds of ammunition 
to each man. We had two pack horses that belonged to the commissary- 
We marched direct to Drenning's Lick, — halted, sent two spies, who 
brought no accoimt of the arrival of the boat. Sent two spies to Louis- 
ville, who brought information of the day that the boat would arrive. 
We remained twelve days in the neighborhood of the river, subject to 
surprise by day and night. 

"The company was divided into five masses, encamped five yards 
apart. Every movement was made in the same manner, with two 
sentinels out; one one hundred and fifty yards to the right, and the 
other the same distance on the left. We moved once in twenty-four 
hours one mile, more or less, as ground, water and timber were con- 
venient. 

"In the camp immediately in my rear the First Sergeant had a very 
profane swearing man (Aaron Reynolds). I had borne with him four 
days and nights, and felt that I must reprove him, and if no amendment 
took place to discharge him and send him home. The next opportunity, 
when he had a crowd about and was making his blasphemous sport with 
oaths and wicked expressions, I stepped into the crowd and observed to 
him that he was a very wicked profane man: that he could not harm 
anything or person but himself, and that he was endeavoring to do with 
all liis might; that the company and myself would thank him to desist. 
But on the next day I heard him going on as formerly. I then reproved 
him severely, but said to him that if he quit his profanity and swearing, 
that on reaching the boat I would give him a quart of spirits. 

"Four days after that we joined the boat. After making a report 
of my orders and company to Captain Robert George, who was a regular 



* See .\ppendix. 

t Thia story 13 told in Roosevelt's "Winning of the West." 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 213 

officer, Aaron Reynolds demanded of me the quart of spirits as promised. 
I suggested a doubt as to whether he had compHed with his promise or 
not, and he appealed to the company, then on parade, and they pro- 
nounced in his favor — that they had not heard him swear since he was 
reproved, as before stated." 

The promised reward was not withheld, and Patterson 
adds, somewhat unnecessarily, "The spirits were all drank." 
That the end did, though somewhat scantily, justify the 
means, and that the reform was a permanent one, wiU 
be shown by an episode that occurred between Reynolds 
and Patterson at the battle of Blue Licks some months 
later. 

A few months after the events which we have chron- 
icled, the first child was born to Robert and EUzabeth Pat- 
terson, on January thirtieth, 1781, and named William, after 
Robert's brother. The year following held momentous issues 
that were calculated to try the souls both of the young 
husband, who must continually risk his life for the defense 
of the settlements, and of the young wife, who began her 
family cares by awaiting at home, by her baby's cradle, either 
the return of the father or of news of him too terrible to be 
told. 

The next year, 1782, saw the two most thrilling chapters 
in the history of Kentucky, one of which brought ruin and 
sorrow unspeakable to the band of settlers. These were the 
siege of Bryan's Station and the fatal battle of Blue Licks. 
Bryan's Station was five miles from Lexington, on the head 
branch of the Elkhorn, amid a thick forest of noble trees 
such as Kentucky knows not in these later years. In form, 
it was like the fort at Lexington, though much longer, being 
six hundred feet by one hundred and fifty, with twenty log 
cabins along the sides whose outer walls made the walls of 
the fort. The cabins were sixteen feet square, and each 
sheltered a family. The roofs sloped in toward the fort, a 



214 



CONCERNING THK FOHKFATHERS 




Bryan's station 



fortunate circumstance, as was afterwards proved during 
the siege. At the corners of the fort were large blockhouses, 
which, being the most exposed places, were occupied by 

the unmarried men. A fine 
cold spring at a little dis- 
tance supplied the fort 
with water, and was con- 
sidered safe because so 
well within the range of 
the protecting rifles. Set- 
tlers generally built their 
forts to enclose a spring, 
and why it was not done in 
this case, no one can tell. 
In the summer of 1782, 
Captain Caldwell, a British officer in Canada, marched 
down to attack Wheeling, Va., wdth about three hundred white 
soldiers and six hundred Wyandotte and Lake Indians. 
The battle did not come off for some reason, and rather 
than go back to Canada without having seen blood, the 
invaders marched down the banks of the Ohio, and Bryan's 
Station being the nearest and least defensive point, they 
proceeded to besiege it on August fifteenth, at five o'clock 
in the morning. Inside the fort were ninety people, of 
whom forty-five were men who could hold rifles. Two of 
these escaping early in the day to bring help from Lexington 
left only forty-three men as the protective force. The plan 
of the British was to place a detachment of Indians in full 
view on the side of the fort towards Lexington, and to 
conceal the remainder in the woods around the spring. At 
daylight the small force were to fire on the fort, and when 
the garrison should be drawn out to repel them, the main 
body was to rush upon the fort and break down the gate or 
scale the walls. But the Kentuckians had learned some- 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 



215 



thing of Indian warfare by this time, and suspecting that 
so small a number of warriors could not be the whole force, 
they paid no attention to the attack, but saw to it that the 
north side of the fort was well protected, and waited for 
further developments. Now it was that the mistake in 
planning the fort became aj^parent. The supply of drinking 
water was found to be exhausted. This, a serious enough 
dilemma during a quiet day when the August sun beat down 
upon the unprotected fort, was doubly terrible if there was 
fighting to be done. It was not to be thought of to engage 
in battle without plenty of water to drink. The Craigs, 
friends of Robert Patterson (who was at this time in the 
Lexington fort, ignorant of the peril of his neighbors), set- 
tled the question. They believed the Indians would not 
come out from their ambush until the noise of the firing 
assured them that the fort was practically unprotected. 
At this critical juncture, the women of the fort came to 
the rescue. They said, "Let us go for water. The Indians 
will never risk the escape of the whole garrison by attacking 
a few girls and women. That is not their plan. We will 
pretend that we think the fighting force is on the other 
side of the fort, and that will keep up the deception." So 
it was done. Twelve of the married women and sixteen girls 
issued from the gate laughing and chattering, with pails 
in then' hands and deadly fears in their hearts. The dis- 
tance to the spring was about fifty feet — a narrow path lined 
on each side by bushes, among which, so near they could 
almost hear them breathe, crouched the Indians. The 
women could not go two by two for the sake of protection, 
but the smallest girls trotted along, two of them to a pail. 
At the spring then' natural impulse was to dip the buckets 
full and run; but the stream ran slowly: the water must be 
caught in a gourd and poured into the pails. Slowly each 
pail or "piggin," as it was called, was filled, and the proces- 






216 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



sion of heroines, brave as any matrons Rome ever saw, filed 
back along the path expecting every minute to hear that 
blood-curdling war-whoop which meant worse torture than 
the cry of a panther or the howl of a wolf. The Craigs were 
right in their conjectures. Not an Indian stirred. They 
wanted the whole company of settlers, and expected to get 
them. The gate closed safely on the women mth 
their precious burdens. Then it was that the 
pioneers played a counter-game. Sending the 
smallest part of their men into the open field, 
they made a noisy demonstration against the 
savages, pursuing them toward the woods with 
musket shots. This was just what the ambushed 
Indians wanted. They issued from their hiding 
places and rushed toward the fort, only to be met 
with the concentrated firing from the pioneers 
behind the stockade. Not only the men were 
busy with the guns, but the women also, the lat- 
ter loading while their husbands fired; and the 
children passed gourds of water to the thirsty 
soldiers, and watched that no blazing arrows set 
the dr}' logs of the cabin on fire. One little eight- 
year-old girl was watching the cradle where 
her baby brother lay asleep. A piece of burning 
pitch pine fell on the quilt, which blazed up at the 
contact. Without calling her mother, and too 
wise to waste any of the precious water, she 
pulled the cover off and stamped out the blaze.* 
The defense which the pioneers offered was unexpected 
and bewildering to the enemy, but they persisted in the 
attack. The fight waged hotly all day and the next, the 
besiegers threatening the defenders from the shelter of the 
woods. They said, "We are expecting large reinforcements 

* The baby was after%vard Vice-President of the United Stales, Richard M. Johnson. 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 217 

with cannon, and will burn you down or blow you to hell 
unless you surrender." Simon Girty, a white man, but so 
bloodthirsty a renegade that he was more to be dreaded 
than the Indians, climbed a sycamore stump and hailed the 
fort with horrid blasphemies. He demanded to know if 
they knew who he was. For some time there was silence. 
Then Aaron Reynolds (who a few days afterward saved Rob- 
ert Patterson's life at the battle of Blue Licks) could hold his 
tongue no longer. "Yes," he said, "we all know you. I 
have got a low-down dog who is so worthless a cur I call him 
Simon Girty after you. Bring on your artillery and be 
damned to you. We have got friends too and they will 
be here before long." 

The firing ceased for a time, and night came on — a dread- 
ful night to the people in the fort, worn out with watching 
and grief for those who had been killed. The second day 
dawned, and just as they were expecting renewed attack, 
they heard the welcome cry of friends, and then from out 
the surrovmding woods, instead of painted savages came 
the militia from Lexington, commanded by Robert Patter- 
son, and then- troubles were over. 

The little troop of sixteen horsemen came at a rapid 
pace from Lexington; the main body on foot followed. 
The horsemen slowed up when they neared the fort, that 
the footmen might have the better chance of reaching the 
garrison. Patterson's party kept a watchful eye; saw the 
Indians to the right of the lane in a turnip patch, and fired 
on them as they emerged into the corn-field. This alarmed 
the whole body of Indians; then Patterson's party raised 
the whoop to notify the garrison, put spurs to their horses, 
and rode into the fort at full gallop amidst a shower of 
bullets. 

Just here there is a discrepancy in the accounts. Some 
of the histories say that no one was killed. In the late 



218 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



Henry L. Brown's notes, his mother, Catherine Patterson 
Brown, says: 

"In the desperate fight in the cornfiehl, odds of six to one against 
him in hand to hand fighting, my father lost six killed and a number 
wounded, but skillfully extricated his command by taking a new posi- 
tion. This with the gallant charge through the ambush by the mounted 
company saved the Station, and next morning Girty and his redskins 
withdrew."* 

Captain Patterson had not been in the fort at Bryan's 
Station since he helped the Bryan brothers build it two 
years before, and he entered it again with mingled feelings 
of pain and pleasure — pain at the loss and terror of the 
siege, and pleasure that he could be of help to his friends. 
The British and Indians left thirty slain on the field. They 
had occupied the last night in driving off and killing three 
hundred horses and cows, one hundred hogs and many sheep, 
and laying waste the fields of corn and turnips that had 
been cultivated with such care. One hundred acres of corn, 
hemp, potatoes, flax and vegetables were devastated, and 
every man who saw it grasped his rifle more firmly and 

as one of the older children of Robert, and duubUess heard her father tell the 




Tin; ROAD 
T H 1 ■: FORD 
LICKS, 
FICiHTIN'i; 



FOLLOWIXU 
AT H L U l'. 
WHKHKTIIK 
TOOK I'l.ACi: 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON ' 219 

measured his avenging anger in imagination against the per- 
petrators of such deeds. 

This outrage aroused the fire of indignation within the 
breasts of all the fighting men of Kentucky. They felt that 
life would be worth nothing unless the Indians could be 
driven once for all from the State. The settlers began to 
gather at Bryan's Station as soon as the news of the siege 
could call them from their homes. They knew that the In- 
dians, although in retreat, could not be far distant, and the 
unanimous sentiment was in favor of an immediate pursuit. 
Saturday, the seventeenth, was devoted to burying the dead, 
and that night the worn-out defenders of the fort slept 
the sleep of exhaustion. The next day small detachments 
came in from Boonesboro and Harrodsburg. Forty men 
under Col. Stephen Trigg and Major Harland arrived from 
Lexington on Sunday morning, and all were occupied in 
eager preparation for the pursuit. 

In 1777, the whole fighting force of Kentucky is estimated 
by Ranck to have been only one hundred and two men. Five 
years later, at the time of which we are writing, it had nearly 
doubled. The number of those who made up the fighting 
force at the battle of Blue Licks has been cUfferently esti- 
mated. Boone says there were one hundred and eighty- 
one; Logan, one hundred and eighty-two; Marshall makes 
it about the same. Robert Patterson says one hundred 
and forty-four.* 

But what was such a handful of men against the hundreds 
of Indians vfho could be assembled from the woods of Ohio 
and Illinois? Sunday afternoon the Kentuckians marched 
out of the station toward the Licking River, having been 
informed by scouts that the Indians had gone that way. 

* Theodore Roosevelt, in his " Winning of the West," says Robert Patterson's account is inaccurate, 
because he wrote of the battle years after, when he was an old man, and it is claimed that Daniel 
Boone's record is more trustworthy. But it must be remembered that Robert Patterson was an 
educated and methodical man. Daniel Boone was- unlettered. Patterson's narrative and papers 
of every kind were kept with most painstaking accuracy, and his accounts of the battle, given to his 
children from time to time, were uniformly consistent. 




220 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

It was not difficult to track them. They had followed the 
"buffalo trace." Footprints in the soft earth and marks 
of the tomahawks upon trees showed plainly that the enemy 
was not far in advance. The men had ridden thirty-three 
miles since leaving Bryan's Station, and went into camp 
at midnight, confident of meeting the enemy the next day. 
They were right. The Indians were not running away, being 
as anxious to fight as the white men, and bitter with disap- 
pointment over the successful defense of the fort. They 
were just four miles away, waiting for their pursuers. 

Arriving at the ford of the Licking River, Boone, Todd 
and Patterson held a consultation. Boone was the most 
experienced, and as cautious as he was brave. He advised 
a delay until scouts could be sent out to report the exact 
position of the enemy. He knew that the favorite mode of 
Indian warfare was the ambush, and that appearance counted 
for nothing. Captain Patterson had had his experience with 
Indian treachery, and also counseled prudence in a,ttack. 
But in the midst of the discussion, a man named McGary, 
an impetuous fool, who thought he knew better than his 
commanding officers, spurred his horse into the river, crjdng, 
"Let all who are not cowards follow me." The proper 
thing to have done with McGary, as a recent historian re- 
marks,* would have been to shoot liim on the spot; but 
militar}^ organization and discipline in those days were as 
elementary as the church and state and society. There- 
fore, what might have been expected happened: The horse- 
men, not wishing to seem cowardly, and following the impulse 
of the herd (which governs men as well as sheep), plunged 
into the river and reached the opposite shore, where they 
paused a moment to reconnoiter. The country was quiet 
and peaceful in appearance, the foliage glowdng in its green- 
ness, the river rippling over the stones and the white clouds 



* Theodore Roosevelt, "Winning of the West.' 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 



221 



floating overhead. Then came swift destruction, carnage 
and ruin; a very deluge of blood in the bosom of this quiet 
valley. From every bush and tree rained bullets and arrows, 
followed by those who had sent them, tomahawks and knives 
in hand to further the work. Three to one were they. Two 
of the advance guard went down at the first attack. Todd 
fell; Trigg fell; McBride and Gordon were dead; Patterson 
was down, but up again and fighting against dreadful odds. 
No discipline could be maintained. Each man for himself, 
with fearful odds against him. Colonel Boone's son re- 
ceived a shot, and the father lifted the body in his arms 
and made for the river. On came the Indians with a war- 
whoop, louder and more horrible through the success of 
their ruse. In five minutes it was all over. Just that 
short time before, the Kentuckians had passed over the 
ford full of health, courage and enthusiasm. Now, seventy- 
one out of one hundred and forty-four were killed, 
wounded or captured. Those who escaped toiled painfully 
through the woods, with the despairing cries of theu- com- 
rades ringing in their ears. 

While on the retreat after the battle, and near the river. 
Colonel Patterson was on foot, well-nigh exhausted, " lips 
glued together with thirst," as he himself expressed it. 
Aaron Reynolds, who had already crossed the river (very 
likely being in the right wing, among those who were the first 
to commence the retreat), recrossed to the rescue of his old 
commander, whose danger he perceived. He rode up with- 
out a saddle, the right bridle rein broken, and hastily ex- 
claimed, as he dismovmted : " Here, Patterson, take this horse 
and clear yourself; I'm fresh, and can out-run you." Colonel 
Patterson with a single bound mounted the animal — a 
small bay with high haunch bones; the horse sprang for- 
ward; the colonel caught his knees upon the haunches; 
righting himself, guiding the horse with a single rein, dashed 




222 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



up the river bank a few paces, urged his horse to jump 
down the bank, a distance of ten feet, and landed un- 
harmed upon the beach. He made for a ripple a hun- 
dred yai'ds above, but before reaching it he discovered two 
Indians jump to a large tree on the bank to intercept his 
retreat. He still dashed on, the Indian rifles cracking, 
the balls whistling past, but rode on untouched, and passed 
the river at the point he had in view. He soon after came 
across a saddle and a pair of saddle-bags, dismounted, jiicked 




rOI,. KOBERT PATTKKSOn's ESCAriO FlidM THK INDIANS, Al'(.I>T l'.». 1782 
(\V 1,-ul frnin an c,M ],oem by Wel.-li, eiititle.r- The Harp of the West," published in ls;iiii 

them up, and without stopping even to fasten the girth, 
pushed forward from the scene of danger. 

To return to Rej^nolds: When he so magnanimously 
gave up his horse to his friend, he bounded for the ford, 
passing his fleeing comrades, and crossed the stream. He 
proceeded some hundred yards from the river, when he sat 
down upon a log to readjust his moccasins, which, from their 
saturation in crossing the stream, had stretched and im- 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 223 

peded his progress. While stooping thus, he was suddenly 
surprised and taken by two Indians — one of very large 
frame. Just as they were holding him, the large Indian 
discovered a Kentuckian riding near by in flight, and leaving 
Re^'nolds with the other, started in pursuit. The small 
Indian held with one hand to the collar of Reynolds' hunting 
shirt, his gun in the other, unloaded, as Reynolds discovered. 
Intent on watching the success of his companion in pursuit 
of the fugitive, the Indian's attention was distracted from 
his prisoner. Reynolds made a sudden spring, loosened 
himself from the grasp of the savage, and effected his escape. 
He reached Lexington that night before his commander, 
who spent the night at Bryan's and reached home in the 
morning. When Reynolds was asked if he knew anything 
of Colonel Patterson, he replied that he had given up his 
own horse to him on the battle-field, and the colonel was 
doubtless safe; yet so incredible was the story that it was 
not generally believed. The arrival of Patterson the 
next day corroborated the statement. 

Curiovis to know Reynolds' motive, Patterson asked why 
he voluntarily returned on the retreat and gave him his 
horse. "Why, Colonel," he replied, "I have had a particular 
regard for you ever since your kind admonition while await- 
ing the arrival of the galley at the mouth of the Kentucky, 
and from which I trust I have profited ; and I have sought 
an opportunity to do you a good turn." The inquiry was 
then made as to what would be a sufficient compensation for 
so good a service. Reynolds replied that he would feel 
amply rewarded with the shot-pouch and powder-horn 
which Colonel Patterson then wore — the former of which 
was richly worked with colored porcupine quills, and the horn 
beautifully carved. Both were Indian booty, taken at the 
attack on Old Town on Bowman's campaign. These were 
cheerfully given to Reynolds, together with a bay horse. 



■224 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

to which was afterward added a deed of four hundred acres 
of land.* 

Mrs. Patterson said of those six days of terror: 

" Myself and the other women, knowing of the atrocities committed 
by the savages upon captive women, were determined to die in defense 
■of the stockade, rather than surrender. We were on night reUef duty 
all the month to keep the men on duty awake: other men to sleep unless 
■called in emergency." 

'' Within the Lexington stockade during this trjing time, while alarm 
iind excitement were intense, perfect order prevailed, though none could 
sleep, through dread for the little ones as well as for ourselves. The 
■older women had trained for this, and stationing us all as sentinels at 
the loop holes, rifles loaded, even half grown girls having places, instructed 
us for action in emergency. Some had skill as marksmen, others timid, 
but all standing to their posts, some to load rifles for others to fire. Through 
the long night this guard was kept, and the first signals of rehef came from 
wounded men lying in the line of woods outside of rifle range, awaiting 
break of day, fearing the women in the fort might be further terrorized 
at suspicions of presence of a treacherous foe. Wives were called to 
assist their wounded into the fort, and news came to others of the death 
of husband or son in the bloody combat. The scenes of mourning and 
distress were heartrending as the bodies of wounded and dead were borne 
in on litters. I had messages from my husband by these wounded," 
said Mrs. Patterson, "but did not see him until the second day after the 
battle of the Blue Licks, but had a note from him saying ' I commanded 
the second fine in Todd's battle and am safe, with love to you all. Joseph 
was killed.'" t 

Joel Collins, afterward author of the " History of Ken- 
tucky," relates how he was in Fort Lexington at this time, a 
boy of ten years, and saw the rejoicing of Mrs. Patterson and 
her children when the father appeared, weak, depressed and 
fatigued, but still alive. The men, women and children of 
the fort gathered to hear the story of the fearful battle, and 

* This, it may be interesting for tiie reader to know, remains, in part, to this day in the hands of 
the Reynolds family in Lexington. 

t Joseph Lindsay, brother to Mrs. Patterson. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 225 

while they were crowded around him, some of the men ob- 
served, "Why, Captain, there are bullet holes in your hunt- 
ing shirt." "Likely enough," said he, "for I have felt 
smarting sensations in various parts of my body." When his 
clothes were removed, several black streaks made by rifle 
bullets were plainly to be seen on his sides and back.* This 
incident will give an idea of the literal rain of bullets that fell 
upon the unfortunate band of pioneers. That any escaped 
is most remarkable. Reynolds' story of Patterson's escape 
was told and retold. Another man who possibly helped in- 
directly to preserve Patterson's life was Benjamin Nether- 
land, who, in the midst of the carnage, paused in his 
flight and encouraged his men to make a stand and cover 
the escape of some of their friends who were crossing the 
river. The minutest action at the proper time may mean 
much, and that this was appreciated is shown by a letter 
wiitten by Captain Patterson to Netherland from Dayton in 
1826. He says: "I never forget the part you acted in the 
battle of Blue Licks." Netherland was a member of Patter- 
son's company, and probably had the same affection for his 
commander that Reynolds had. 

As straggler after straggler from the field of battle 
limped wearily back to Lexington or Bryan's Sta- 
tion, with each his different story, what tears and 
mourning were there! Jeremiah Craig, whose wife 
and daughters had gone to the spring for water, was 
dead. Daniel Boone had lost two sons. One 
of the Lindsays, brother to Mrs. Robert 
Patterson, was slain. The gallant Todd was 
dead. In the quaint language of Andrew 
Steele,! " To express the feelings of the inhab- 
itants of bothe Counties at this Rueful scene of 

* McBride's Pioneer Biography. 

t Whose son married Jane Patterson. 




226 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

unparalleled barbarities, barres all words and cuts descrip- 
tion short." * 

These two crushing disasters coming one upon another, 
might well have discouraged forever the settlement of Ken- 
tucky. Indeed, many families were already turning their 
steps eastward along the Wilderness Road. But the battle 
of Blue Licks was in reality the turning point of success for 
the whites. It seemed to arouse the men that were left to a 
frenzy of determination. Clark, Logan and Patterson held 
instant communications and laid plans for a counter-stroke. 
Runners were sent out to all the stations, calling upon the 
settlers for men, arms and supplies. The response was in- 
stantaneous and fervent. Mere bo.ys begged to be allowed to 
join the expedition. Volunteers from the eastern stations 
gathered at Bryan's — those from the west, at the Falls 
of the Ohio. The two divisions met at the mouth of the 
Licking (Cincinnati) , where the supreme command was given 
to Clark, and on the fourth of November they began the 
march northward up the Miami Valley, taking the route 
which by this time had become a well-defined trail, following 
the windings of the river. They camped one night at the 
mouth of Mad River in the unbroken forest that then 
covered the site of Dayton, and which was in later years to 
be the home of Colonel Patterson's old age. 

About one thousand men were in the command, and the 
Indians fled as the_y approached. They marched as far as 
Piqua, surprising a few Indians and pursuing the rest. There 
was a peppery little warfare all the time between the advance 
guard of whites and the stragglers among the Indians. But 
it was an expedition of intimidation merely, and ended as 
such. Ten scalps were taken and seven prisoners captured. 

* Of Mrs. Patterson's private griefs we have uo rrcord save the family Bible. If tells us that 
this frightful experience occurred ju^f after the death of her first baby boy, eighteen months old at 
the time, and three months before the birth of her second boy. — [Ed.] 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 227 

Clark lost one man. The Indian cabins were burned, to- 
gether with corn and provisions, and the owners once more 
rendered innocuous for the time being. 

Hs ***** * 

As this chapter deals principally with Robert Patterson's 
Indian campaigns, a short flight will be made ahead of this 
time to recount his fourth Miami expedition, which resulted 
so disastrously to him in a physical way. 

In September, 1785, Gov. Patrick Henry, "Upon recom- 
mendation of the worshipful court of the County of Fay- 
ette," commissioned Robert Patterson Colonel in the Vir- 
ginia Line. This Fayette County regiment was, as Robert 
Patterson wrote his wife on the eve of a battle, the "finest 
set of men that ever crossed the Ohio." It was the pride of 
the State, and its subsequent record fully bore out this repu- 
tation. The men in it had followed Robert Patterson through 
forest and morass, across frozen streams, under the fire of the 
hidden savages ; they had lain out under the stars with nothing 
to eat but dry corn; they had fought in ranks, and when the 
ranks were broken then each man for himself, from tree to 
tree. They obeyed orders until they saw they could do 
better without, then carried on the campaign from separate 
stumps until it was safe to obey orders again. But however 
independently they fought, no man of them ever retreated, 
and the regiment has no defeat to account for on its scroll of 
war. In the awful battle under St. Clair, in 1791, flanked 
and driven by overwhelming numbers, this little band guarded 
the retreat, fighting inch by inch, half their men tomahawked 
and dead, every living man a hero. 

In the fall of 1785, Colonel Patterson, having returned 
from the Kentucky Convention held at Danville (in which 
assembly he represented his county), was ordered to march 
with his regiment to the Ohio River, once more to repel 
threatened invasion. The expedition was under command of 



228 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



George Rogers Clark, but it was in two sections; Clark was to 
approach from the Wabash region, and Logan, with seven hun- 
dred and ninety men, to proceed up the Miami Valley, as in for- 
mer campaigns. Most of the warriors went to meet Clark's 
forces, not expecting attack from the south ; the villages were. 



theiefoie, unpicpaied 
advanced ni thico 
lines, Kobeit Pattei- 
son conunanding the 



to lesist. The pioneers 








left and Col. Thomas Kennedy the right; Daniel Boone and 
Simon Kenton were in advance, and Colonel Trotter com- 
manded the rear. The towns of Macocheek, or Mack-a-chack, 
and McKeestown were surprised, and after sharp firing sur- 
rendered. It was a winning campaign from the first. Logan 
took ten scalps and thirty-two prisoners ; burned two hundred 
cabins and destroyed quantities of standing corn. Whole 
towns of Indians fled as he advanced. Among the prisoners 
taken was the old Shawnee chief, Molunthe. He was con- 
veyed back to where the main body of the troops were sta- 
tioned, his arms pinioned and seated upon a baggage wagon. 
There was a dare-devil renegade named ]\IcGary, who was 
always causing trouble in the camp, and he crept up behind 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 229 

the pinioned chief and without any warning buried a hatchet 
in his head. Robert Patterson speaks of McGary as " some 
monster in human shape," and adds: "This dastardly act 
was severely censured by both the officers and men. So 
bitterly reproached was the guilty wretch that he found it 
necessary to leave the army before its return." Roosevelt 
says, in commenting upon this unpardonable crime, 
that other murders would doubtless have followed, "had it 
not been for the prompt and honorable action of Col. Robert 
Patterson and Robert Trotter who ordered their men to 
shoot down any one who molested another prisoner."* 

In this memorable battle many famous chieftains were 
engaged: Red Jacket, Tecumseh, Molunthe, Little Turtle, 
Logan and Big Corn. 

In the assault upon Macocheek, Robert Patterson had a 
personal contest which came near marking "finis" to his 
career. Molunthe was engaged in hand-to-hand conflict with 
the Fayette regiment and Patterson vigorously defending it. 
It was the "every man for himself" warfare, hatchet to 
hatchet. As Patterson was making a stroke at the Indian's 
head with his sword, a powerful Indian knocked it off by a 
blow with his rifle, which he was aiming at the colonel's 
head. The rifle struck the back of his hand and broke two 
of the bones. The savage having disabled Colonel Patterson, 
rushed in fury with uplifted rifle to strike again, when Captain 
Masterson, from behind, spUt his head with a tomahawk, 
saving the colonel's life. Not having proper surgical aid, 
inflammation ensued and caused the old wound in his arm, 
which had been partiaUy healed, to break out afresh; and it 
never healed again, but remained open until his death, more 
than forty years afterwards. 

A memorandum says: "I served as a Colonel second 
in command under Col. Benjamin Logan on the expedi- 

• "Winning of the West." 



230 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

tion against the Mackachek towns on Mad River in the 
summer of 1786, where sword in hand I attacked an 
Indian. He with his gun by a stroke broke two bones in my 
right hand, and for want of surgical aid, the fever fell into 
mj' former wound, which has ever since been a running issue." 
With the injured hand in bark splint and sling of deer thongs. 
Colonel Patterson led the regiment next day in pursuit of 
the Indians and in destruction of the eight \illages, including 
Mackachek, Pigeon Town, Wapakoneta and the Old British 
blockhouse. None of these was ever rebuilt. 

When devastation had been completed, the captured 
stores of corn, vegetables, meat and furs gathered, the Indians 
driven to the Scioto and their horses rounded up, the Ken- 
tuckians prepared for the return home by loading the booty 
on the two hundred confiscated animals. Colonel Patterson 
and his splendidly mounted regiment, with the wounded of 
the command and the pack train, followed the trail down to 
where the Mad River empties into the Miami, camping b}^ a 
big spring in the woods. This was the true "Early Dayton." 
The course of Mad River was at that time south of the present 
line of First Street; therefore, Patterson's camp by the 
spring was on the north bank of the river, where Taylor Street 
crosses East Monument Avenue. There, in the dense forest, 
by the light of the log fire, Robert Patterson nursed his 
wounded arm, dreamed of his young wife in Lexington, and 
of the home they should some time own. Little did he think 
at that time that it would be in a city that should spring up 
on the spot where he was sleeping, where the two rivers min- 
gled and the hills overlooked them. 

The regiment had one more sknmish with a party of 
Miami Indians from the Wabash coimtry who had not heard 
that they were beaten as a nation. Then, having camped 
some days around the spring and explored this region with a 
view to future settlement, the regiment resumed march, follow- 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 231 

ing the Miami to a traU some distance below the present site 
of Hamilton, thence to Mill Creek and around the hills to a 
fording of the Ohio at the mouth of the Licking River. They 
arrived home triumphant, but exhausted. Colonel Patter- 
son's arm, greatly swollen and very painful, caused a slow 
fever, his first illness since he was wounded at the mouth of 
the Hockhocking ten years before. 

Conviction of the inequality of the conflict was now 
dawning upon the Indians. In spite of their overwhelming 
numbers, in spite of British support, the white settlers were 
gradually gaining ground and pushing the Indians from one 
post to another farther towards the West. The indomitable 
perseverance of the white man prevailed then, as it does now, 
against the barbarous element of the human race. 

In all these thrilling histories our hearts are stirred with 
sympathy for the women who waited at home while their 
husbands toiled and fought. Some of them were carefully 
reared, and belonged in Eastern homes as safe then as are the 
far Western homes in our day. What did they think, then, of 
being thrust into such a life of privation and hardship? The 
little that has come down to us proves that they were not 
one whit behind the men in physical courage. We read of 
one woman who, when her husband was disabled, rode fifty 
miles on horseback to give the alarm and procure assistance; 
of another who stood by the chained door with an ax, and as 
each Indian attempted to come in the narrow aperture over 
the dead body of her husband, she felled him to the floor and 
dragged his corpse inside. Four perished under her frenzied 
weapon. When she heard others climbing down the broad 
chimney to attack her from behind, she threw the feather bed 
on the fire and smudged them out like bees. 

Two brothers lived together with their families, and suffered 
a night attack. They both fell at the first fire, but managed 
to die under roof. The women kept the Indians at bay and 



232 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

prevented their firing the house by putting out the flames 
first with water, then with eggs, and then with the blood- 
soaked clothes of the father. 

What did these years mean to Elizabeth Lindsay Patter- 
son, the girl of twenty, who had followed her husband into 
the wilderness? She says little that has come down to us, 
but we already know that between the dates of the battle of 
Blue Licks and the Miami campaign, little William, their first 
baby, died, and in January following, the second William 
was born and lived but six days. What could that mean ex- 
cept that besides the inexperience of the young mother, there 
must have been insufficient clothing or improper food, fear, 
and lack of rest? What was such an experience as the 
siege of Bryan's Station or the battle of Blue Licks to 
a young mother with a nursing babe ? But we find no 
complaints of their lot. For the most part we may 
believe they enjoyed, during the next few years of peace, the 
novelty and interest of the life, if they did not the dangers of 
it. They accepted the coarse fare, puncheon beds with 
buffalo skins, the Indian alarms, the frequent babies and the 
hard work, as the career which the Almighty had laid upon 
them, and made the best of it all. While Robert Patterson 
was wading up to his chin in the Wabash, laying waste crops 
of Indian corn at Piqua, or beating out the brains of a warrior 
with a clubbed musket at Blue Licks, Mrs. Patterson was 
milking, churning, dyeing her petticoats with walnut hulls, 
pounding corn in a mortar for Johnny-cake, and minding 
Becky and Peggy in the Lexington Fort. 

John Van Cleve's narrative says that she was Robert 
Patterson's "faithful wife," and that in spite of all these 
hardships she lived to a good old age, to see her grandchildren 
and great-grandchildren growing up about her. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON— (Continued) 

The Pattersons in Lexington; Robert 
Patterson as citizen and statesman; his 
influence upon education and religion; the 
Presbyterian Church and the Transylvania 
University; the "Kentucke Gazette"; ef- 
forts OF Kentucky' toward independent state- 
hood; THE new Government begins; Robert 
Patterson and his friends at Losantiville; 
laying out of Cincinnati by the three 
pioneers; death of John Filson; St. Clair's 
defeat. 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON— (Continued) 

" We have seen the forests gathered and the streams of commerce won, 

And the rise of mighty cities ivith their steeples in the sun; 
Ways of stone and ways of iron, crossed and angled everywhere, 
Till the wilderness is open for the nation's thoroughfare. 
They who came were grand projectors, for a century ago 
They gave these States their character and impetus to grow. 
Then let our high ambition, in its efforts to forecast. 
Throw a shadoiv on the future from the substance of the past."* 

Henry T. Stanton. 



E pass now from the consideration of Robert 
Patterson as soldier to that of his work as 
citizen and statesman. 

> i About 1780 Kentucky began to have ambitions 

'^^ toward statehood. Affairs were in a very unsatis- 
^ factory and unsettled condition politically. There were 
no public funds and no war material. All executive acts 
must first be sanctioned by the Governor of Virginia. New 
official powers could be had only from Williamsburg; and 
the difficulties of the Kentucky situation did not appeal to 
the Virginians. This limitation, in view of the constant 
harassing of the Indians and impending invasion, was most 
trying. During a period of four or five years, conventions 




■ Read at the Blue Licks Centennial, Frankfort, Ky.. Aug. 19, 1S82 



235 



236 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

were held to discuss the separation of Kentucky from Vir- 
ginia and her establishment as an independent State. Robert 
Patterson took an active part whether the work in hand 
happened to be fighting or organizing. The settlers came 
together sometimes to shoot and sometimes to talk; but 
always progress was made toward stability and peace. 

The earliest of these meetings was held at the stock- 
ade fort at Boonesboro in May, 1776. Seventeen pioneers 
met under a large elm tree and passed laws designed to in- 
crease the efficiency of their protection against the savages, 
and resolutions for the furtherance of independent statehood. 
It is recorded that the strictest parliamentary usage prevailed 
and that the pioneers preserved the dignity of statesmen in 
all their deliberations. Parson Blythe, the " preacher-hunter," 
opened with prayer. One of the regulations adopted was 
that there should be no swearing or Sabbath-breaking allowed 
in Kentucky. John Mason Brown says of this assemblage: 
" It may be safely asserted that the gravity, moderation and 
patience which were then exhibited are unsurpassed in the 
early history of any of the Commonwealths." We find Patter- 
son's name signed to many petitions now preserved in the 
records of the General Assembly of the State of Virginia, 
which were sent in from time to time from the wilderness to 
the seat of Government. The "Separatists," as the most 
radical of the Kentuckians were called, were in a hurry for 
independent statehood. These frontier philosophers knew 
what was best for themselves and their families better than 
the legislature in far-off Williamsburg. The earlier meetings, 
from 1776 to 1783, were held under circumstances of vital 
peril. The pioneer statesmen rode armed and knew not 
when they kissed their wives good-by if the.v should live to 
greet them again. Not a week passed but some friend fell 
under the tomahawk. Numerous petitions were offered to 
the General Assembly of Virginia, some of them, toward the 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 237 

last, exhibiting an impatient spirit. All delay must have 
been irritating. The hearths and homes of the settlers and 
the safety of their wives and children depended upon com- 
plete organization of State Government and upon the equip- 
ment and control of the mihtia. But territorial expansion 
toward the West was not deemed advisable by the seaboard 
State. As an historian of the time says: "In the face of 
the appalling difficulties that confronted the estabHshment 
of Colonial independence, all thought of acquiring new and 
unexplored territory seemed chimerical." 

The legislative session in May, 1780, divided the district of 
Kentucky into three counties — Jefferson, Lincoln and Fayette. 
In the latter county Todd was company lieutenant and colonel 
of militia, with Daniel Boone second in command. Robert 
Patterson was at this time Sheriff of Fayette County. In 
Lincoln County, Benjamin Logan was leader, and in Jefferson, 
John Floyd.* 

Finally, in 1784, there was held at Danville a consultation 
of the militia officers, followed on May twenty-third of the next 
year by a large convention from which the most elaborate and 
imperative message yet evolved went to theVnginia legislature. 
It was signed by Samuel McDowell, Christopher Irvin, Caleb 
Wallace, James Garrard, Levi Todd, Robert Patterson and 
others. The tone and language of this petition have been 
severely criticised by Marshall in his History of Kentucky, but 
John Mason Brown says dispassionately: "When the list of 
delegates is scanned and upon it found such controlling names 
as Garrard, Irvin, Wallace, Todd and Patterson, the tried and 
trusted of all the pioneers, it is absurd to impute to a conven- 
tion composed of such material a design injurious to the 
people." 

Each of the four Miami campaigns hindered, for the time 
being, political progress. Men could not be sitting in delib- 



238 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

erative council in Lexington and assaulting Miami Valley 
Indian camps at one and the same time. So affairs dragged 
on to a tardy conclusion. Kentucky did not become an 
independent State until 1792. The best blood of the State 
had been spilled, leaving a hardly earned political and social 
home for those who survived. In the point of view of the 
victims of such a struggle it might not have seemed worth 
while. But the advance of civilization has alwaj's been a 
cruel thing, not only to the pursued and conquered, but to 
the active agents who reaped its benefits. Kentucky was 
born and her sons began to prove themselves worthy. They 
had undergone a training as youths and men that gave them 
power and poise and courage. Their opinions were thought- 
fully formed and of necessity had to be personally declared. 
They spoke straight along the barrel, clear and to the point, 
and their words and arguments succeeded, though not im- 
mediately, in framing, unassisted by more experienced states- 
men, the constitution and policy of the State of Kentucky. 

The result was an intellectual self-reliance, very like their 
self-reliance in physical affairs. We should not make the 
mistake of supposing that the pioneers were as rough in 
thought as they were in dress; they were broad-minded, 
well-read men; what Kipling calls "gentlemen unafraid." 
Books, to be sure, were scarce, but what they possessed 
were good English classics — " Pilgrim's Progress," " Paradise 
Lost," Baxter's " Saints' Rest," " Gulliver's Travels," varied 
literature on the Bible, Watts's Hymns, and some few text- 
books in manuscript. Daniel Boone is said to have been 
very fond of reading Sterne's " Sentimental Journey." On 
the shelves of some of the pioneer schoolmasters could be 
found Rousseau, Voltaire and Paine. 

As soon as the settlers emerged from the worst 
and most critical period of their existence, when the 
Indians daily threatened their lives, they began to 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 239 

plan for means of education and culture. A log school- 
house was erected at Fort Lexington near to Colonel Pat- 
terson's home, and he introduced a young student from 
Pennsylvania, by the name of John McKinney, to take 
charge of it. This teacher was the original of John Gray 
in " The Choir Invisible," who expounded the Latin poets, 
taught the young Kentuckians then* mathematics and 
who had the fight with the panther. He is described 
in that glowing romance as "a young fellow of powerful 
build, lean, muscular; one who, having thus far won in 
the battle of life, has a fierce longing for larger conflict, 
and whose entire character rests on the noiseless convic- 
tion that he is a man and a gentleman." John McKinney 
had come early one morning to his schoolhouse to study, and 
as he sat wrapped in thought a large wildcat sprang into 
the room and attacked him. Mrs. Patterson and Mrs. Mas- 
terson, who were milking their cows a short distance away, 
heard his cries and called for help. As any cries of alarm 
in those times were taken to mean an attack by Indians, 
the first act was to hurry the women and children into the 
fort. This was the last time in the history of the old Lex- 
ington fort that it was filled with men and women to claim 
protection. When the alarm proved false, they sought the 
schoolhouse to find the young man with the teeth of the 
animal fastened in his breast-bone. He was weak from 
fright and loss of blood, but had beaten out the life of the 
beast against his desk. In many old Kentucky books and 
letters he is referred to as "Wildcat McKinney."* 

This alarm, the last which brought the garrison together 
in arms within the fort, was practically the end of its history, 
but the structure as originally built by Patterson and his 
companions remained standing for several years ; for 




240 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



the settlers never knew at what time they might need the 
protection of its stout log walls. "At last," says Ranck 
in his History, "the only vestige of the old Lexington Fort 
went down before the power of advanced civilization, but 
the memories of the trials and sufferings endured within it 
and recollections of Boone, Kenton, Harrod, George Rogers 
Clark, Patterson and Todd consecrate it till death in the 
hearts of the pioneers of Lexington." 

In 1780, Robert Patterson, Richard Henderson, David 
Rice, Col. John Todd, and others, petitioned for a charter for 
an advanced school, to be known as "Transylvania Univer- 
sity." This institution was endowed by the Virginia legis- 
lature and incorporated in 1783, but was not formally opened 
until 1785. It was the first regular institution of learning 
founded in the Great West, and owed its growth and stability 
as well as its beginning largely to the interest and encourage- 
ment of Robert Patterson. He was one of the first trustees 
and aided by both words and subscription in adding to the 
university the valuable hbrary of Rev. John Todd, first 
professor of sacred Uteratui'e in the West. Transylvania 
fixed the intellectual status of Lexington and drew to her 
the strongest of the men who brought their eastern edu- 
cation with them into western wilds. It made an humble 
begmning, this pioneer university, in a plain two-story 
house on Second Street; but it soon grew to larger pro- 
portions and dignity of organization. Eight thousand acres 
were ceded to it by the State as an endowment, and in 
1817 a large building was built directly in front of the old 
one. Its faculty included some of the best men of the time. 
Rev. James Moore was its first President; Rev, Robert Stuart 
and Rev. James Blythe held professorships. In 1799 depart- 
ments of medicine and law were added. Dr. Drake held the 
chair of Materia Medica. 

In 1789 we find Robert Patterson an interested promoter 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 241 

of the first library in Lexington ; indeed, the first in the West. 
On New Year's Day, the year before, a company of citizens 
of Lexington had met to consult in regard to a Ubrary to be 
called the Transylvania Library. Nothing better proves the 
inherent love of culture in these men than to know that in less 
than a week subscriptions to the amount of five hundred 
dollars had been collected. It took a week to raise the money 
and a year to buy the books. They were selected by a com- 
mittee, one of which was Robert Patterson; forwarded from 
Philadelphia in wagons over the Wilderness Road, four hun- 
dred volumes, and placed in the Seminary Building. Later, 
many distinguished men contributed to this hbrary — Presi- 
dent George Washington, Vice-President Adams, Rev. James 
Blythe, Aaron Burr, Henry Clay and others. In 1790 the 
library numbered over six hundred volumes; two years later 
it was moved to McCallough's drug store and incorporated 
under the name of the "Lexington Library." Robert Pat- 
terson was one of the thirteen original shareholders. The 
library was afterward burned. 

A few years earUer than this John Bradford, one of 
Patterson's friends and associates in the settlement of Lex- 
ington, opened the first bookstore; afterward, in 1787, 
the first printing establishment west of the AUeghanies. 
This was on the corner of Main and Water Streets, and 
the deed for the lot was signed by Robert Patterson as 
one of the trustees of Lexington. Bradford has been called 
the Benjamin Franklin of the West, and in truth he had 
much of the shrewdness, thrift and smugness of "Poor 
Richard." He became the editor and proprietor of the 
"Kentucke Gazette," the first newspaper of the West. 
It was a quaint little brown sheet about the size of com- 
mon letter-paper, and the paper and type were brought 
from Limestone (now Maysville) on horseback through 
the woods. The large letters of the type Bradford himself 



242 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

cut out from dogw'ood. It required a whole day's work 
on a hand press to run off an edition of five hundred, and 
the subscriptions were paid in bacon and whisky. The 
"Gazette," as the only medium of news from the outside 
world, was hailed with joy by the settlers. We are indebted 
to the old files of the "Kentucke Gazette" for many items 
of interest in the life of Robert Patterson. 

By the year 1790 Indian troubles were practically over. 
At least the safety of the Kentucky settlements was no longer 
so constantly and seriously threatened, and life could be 
pursued without that persistent, harassing warfare which 
marked the first years of emigration. The stockade forts 
here and there had become "stations," and the "stations" 
villages, with some urban ambitions. Lexington was ac- 
quiring courts and schools and churches; and the interests 
and occupations of life circled about the three. Had it not 
been for the law courts, school exhibitions and church re- 
vivals, life would have been a colorless affair. When the 
lawsuits were in time disposed of, the crops gathered in 
and time hung heavy on his hands, the pioneer could get a 
traveling preacher to sojourn at his house and start a revi- 
val. The revival filled the place of the club, theater and 
lecture in our modern life. It was the sole recreation of the 
time. 

There were five different ways,* it apj^ears, of getting re- 
ligion: the "singing way," the "shouting way," the "falling 
way," the "barking way," and the "groaning way." Any 
of these methods was a legitimate process toward glory. 
The acme of spiritual ecstacy was reached when the " mourn- 
er" at last accepted the theory of a physical hell and endless 
torment for those who did not believe as he did. As we 
read their theology it strikes us that these solid, well- 

• Davidson's "jHietury of the Presbyterian Church in Kentucky " 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 243 

poised men and women were inclined to be somewhat in- 
temperate in their piety, and that Bill Nye's definition of 
religious freedom as "the art of giving intolerance a little 
more room" is specifically true in the history of the pioneer 
church. 

We may well, however, do full justice to the results of 
this phase of religionism, repellent as it is to our liberalized 
thought. Stern, relentless and vindictive in spirit, and un- 
couth in expression, it beyond all question gave to this 
country the faithfulest, bravest men, the most patient women 
that history has ever recorded. If it encouraged intolerance 
it discouraged dilettanteism ; if it bred hardness it fostered 
that moral fiber which stands the strain of temptation, dis- 
couragement and difficulty. And, further, their religion 
never suggested to the pioneers that they make easier stand- 
ards for themselves than for others. 

Davidson, in his " Presbyterian Chvu'ch in Kentucky," 
says: 

"Reared in the kirk of Scotland, these people brought with them 
fervent piety and pure morals which are the characteristics of the church. 
. Thoughtful, austere, industrious and conscientious, they found 
no pleasure in the license of the hunter's life, which they pursued only so 
far as their interests required, preferring the difficult labors on the farm. 
The church and the school house were among the earliest 
structures in every neighborhood. At first the churches were built 
of logs like all the other structures, and up to 1795, the men never 
went to church without being armed. At the outside end of each pew 
sat the father of the family with his gun leaned up against the back of 
the seat in front of him ready to seize at the first sound of danger. The 
modern habit of the men occupying the end of the pew is a survival of 
this grim necessity. 

" The minister, after holding a few words with some of the elders of 
the church, would walk down the aisle, deposit his rifle in a corner near 
him, lay off his shot pouch, gravely mount the steps of the pulpit and 
read 'Praise God from whom all blessings flow.' And when he preached 
he turned the hour-glass three times. 



244 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

" Our grandsires bore their guns to meeting, 
Each man equipped on Sunday mom 
With psahn book, shot and powder horn. 
And looked in form, as all must grant 
Like the 'ancient true church mihtant.' " 

"Sturdily and stoutly they wielded the ax and the sword, and as 
stoutly and sturdily did they bear the Bible in their hands and found 

the institutions of their new communities upon its precepts 

The meeting and the school house grew up together and the foot-prints 
of the receding Indians were scarcely effaced before grammar, rhetoric 
and the Westminster Catechism began to be taught." 

The first church established in Lexington was organized 
in 1784 by the Presbyterians. Robert Patterson was an in- 
fluential member and one of the Board of Trustees. They 
secured a lot on Short Street, now the corner of Walnut and 
Short Streets, built a log building, and called the Rev. Adam 
Rankin, of Virginia, to the pastorate. It is a pity that even 
a church in the wilderness should be subject to division and 
dissensions; one would think the Indians gave the pioneers 
enough strife without their getting up disputes on psalmody. 
The Rev. Mr. Rankin wanted the Psalms of David sung, 
and the elders wanted Watts's hymns. Mr. Rankin debarred 
from the Lord's table those who approved of Watts's h}'Tnns. 
So Robert Patterson and some others, resenting this reflec- 
tion upon their spiritual and moral soundness, established 
another church on the corner of Short and Mill Streets, 
received subscriptions for building it in bacon, hemp and 
corn, and in 1795 called the Rev. James Welsh (whose son 
afterward married one of Patterson's daughters) to fill the 
pulpit. 

Early in 1781 the settlers had assembled in one of the log 
cabins of the fort and elected their first Board of Trustees 
for the city of Lexington. It was composed 
of Robert Patterson, Levi Todd, Henry 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 245 

MacDonald, David Mitchell and Michael Wernock. At this 
meeting it was decided, among other things, that court 
should be held at Lexington and that the town should be 
platted in inlots and outlots of one-third of an acre each, 
and that thirty lots be reserved for public uses. For nine 
months these plans were delayed in execution, owing to 
continual troubles with the Indians. About this time 
Robert Patterson was elected Sheriff of Fayette County, 
which office he held for two years. 

In December of 1781 a log court-house was bmlt on what 
is now the corner of Main Street and Broadway, and was 
replaced by a stone one in 1783. 

The first cemetery of the Lexington settlers was on a hill 
on the spot now known as the "Public Church Yard" on 
Main Street.* It was reached by a cow-path extending 
along the side of the fort. To this place the bodies of those 
killed by the Indians had been reverently carried by men 
who laid down their guns only long enough to lower their 
burden into its last resting-place. 

In 1785 Bourbon County was carved out of the im- 
mense territory originally called Fayette County. Two 
elections were held this year to name delegates to the 
Danville Convention, and Robert Patterson, Levi Todd 
and Caleb Wallace were chosen. Improvements were con- 
stantly going on in the infant city. The Trustees' Book 
of Lexington kept at that time would be interesting read- 
ing for the descendants of Robert Patterson, showing, as 
it does, his name on frequent pages in connection with 
measures for improvement and reform in the town govern- 
ment. 

One ordinance required that "all cabins, cow pens and 
hog pens shall be removed from the street." 

Notice was given that if vacant lots were not 

♦"•Romance of Western History." by James Hall. 




246 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

proved within one year by the erection of a good hewed log 
house," they would be reclaimed by the town. 

Boys were prohibited from obstructing the gangway from 
the town fort. 

One ordinance signed by Robert Patterson prohibited the 
"cutting and removing of trees from public grounds," and it 
is cheering to think that his mantle of respect for trees is 
worn by at least one of his descendants. 

Paging over the old, worm-eaten files of the "Kentucke 
Gazette" from 1787, the date of its first appearance, to 1804, 
the year Robert Patterson moved to Dayton, we find many 
items of interest which show his activity in public affairs in 
the town he founded. He advertises for a fund to purchase 
a fire-engine, stating that one-third of the price may be ad- 
vanced in land. He gives notice, as chairman of the Board 
of Trustees, that "such owners of lots on Main Street as have 
not made their pavements agreeable to law shall do so by 
the first of August." The sixth of July, 1789, he advertises 
for bids for "the building of a meeting-house (the new Pres- 
byterian Church) one hundred and fifteen feet long, forty feet 
wide and twenty-two feet high, with a gallery round three 
sides, all to be finished in a workmanlike manner." He offers 
eight dollars reward for the apprehension of sundry prisoners 
who escaped from his custody as Sheriff of Fayette County; 
six dollars reward for a fine red heifer strayed from his farm, 
and four dollars reward for a "likely negro wench answering 
to the name of Peg)'." 

In one issue of the "Kentucke Gazette" we find this 
notice : 

A Sunday School 

Is now open at Colonel Patterson's old house on High Street for the use 
of people of color. Those who wish to have their servants taught will 
please send a line, as none will be received without. 

N. B. — No expense attending those who send. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 247 

And again: 

Notice is given to the citizens of Fayette County to meet at Colonel 
Patterson's on the twenty-seventh instant (March, 1799) to consult on 
the nominations of candidates for the convention (Legislature). 

As principal promoter of the Vineyard Association, Robert 
Patterson gives notice that another year will see their vines 
yielding grapes, and this will be the first vine-growers' asso- 
ciation in Kentucky. He owned a large stone-quarry near 
Lexington, and a store where were sold groceries, dry-goods, 
queensware, plows and saddles. He was stockholder in 
the Racing Association, and a great lover and breeder of 
horses. 

Robert Patterson realized the value of good roads and the 
responsibility of each citizen in keeping them in repair. He 
was appointed Road Supervisor by the Court of Fayette 
County, and built the present road from Lexington to 
Maysville.* 

These records of Robert Patterson's connection with the 
early history of Lexington show one side of his character 
which it is especially desirable to bring out. One is too apt 
to consider that when a man has been a soldier he has done 
the greatest thing for his country that lies in his power. 
Robert Patterson was a soldier among the bravest, and when 
public necessity called him he made a good statesman; but 
when there was neither fighting nor diplomacy on hand, he 
settled down as an active citizen, alive to every need of the 
town in which he lived, as he had been to State and National 
issues. He fought the battles of his State and helped to 
make her constitution, yet did not think it beneath him to 
frame ordinances against the depredations of hogs and small 
boys; to have them enforced and to see to it that the town 
he founded should grow up clean, orderly and God-fearing, 
shaded with trees and supplied with books. 

* See Appendix. 



248 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

By the year 1790 considerable progress had been made in 
Kentucky in the art of living. Game was growing scarce, 
but plenty of cattle had come into the State; there were large 
flocks of sheep and herds of cows grazing on the cleared 
lands. Apple orchards and vineyards were planted, but not 
yet bearing. Mechanics had come from the East and were 
plying their trades in the young town. The gardens, now 
free from savage molestation, supplied cabbages, turnips, 
peas and beets. Homes, too, were growing more commo- 
dious and even luxurious. Trains of wagons coming hi 
over the Wilderness Road brought china cups, mahogany 
tables, tall clocks, lace berthas, books and slippers, signs of 
the mevitable rise of an aristocracy in this remote frontier 
city. There were gay parties held in the larger houses, and 
with a newspaper, a university and a library, Lexington be- 
came cosmopolitan in all directions. 

For two years the Pattersons lived in the stockade fort, 
but in 1783 Colonel Patterson built a commodious log house 
in the newly platted town of Lexington on what is now the 
southwest corner of HiU and Tower Streets, near the site of 
the present residence of S. T. Hayes. The log house was in 
course of time succeeded by a stone one which stood there 
for many years. He bought, indeed, all the property on the 
hill in the western limits of the town. 

A memorandum from the papers of Dr. Patterson Nis- 
bet, Elizabeth Patterson's son, says:'-' 

Grandfather Patterson was elected Justice of the Peace in 
the year 1783. He moved into his new cabin outside of 
the Stockade that year, and had his office in a cabin built 
near by for the purpose, and back on the farm were 
many other log houses, barns and granaries. With 
family increase more room was required, and for this 
reason he erected a large stone house, as fine a struc- 
ture as any of its time, which after he moved to Ohio 

♦ H, L. B, papers. 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 249 

was still occupied as a dwelling for many years. I slept several times 
in it when visiting in Kentucky. In the log house were born Rebecca, 
Margaret, Elizabeth, Francis and Catherine; the stone house babies were 
Jane, Harriet, Robert L. and Jefferson." 

Colonel and Mrs. Patterson's friends during the years of 
their living in Lexington were the Clays, Lindsays, Morrisons, 
Mastersons, Bradfords, Marshalls, Garrards, Hardins, Todds, 
Welshes, Wickhffes, Nisbets, Shelbys, Madisons, and Scotts. 

For a year or so after her marriage Mrs. Patterson did 
her own housework, like all thrifty pioneer women. In the 
Patterson-Nisbet papers it is stated that " At Loraine's, grand- 
father picked up a cripple negro boy named 'Buck/ slave of 
a Miami warrior, and who could talk Indian. The boy be- 
came very useful to grandmother in the Lexington cabin. A 
short time after that her parents gave her a black man and 
woman for servants. Grandfather had quite a village of 
cabins for the farm and house servants, and brought a num- 
ber of them to the Rubicon, who afterwards were made free." * 

The thousand acres which Robert Patterson had pre- 
empted in his father's name became about this time the sub- 
ject of a prolonged lawsuit with John Bradford, who claimed 
that a part of the Francis Patterson preemption belonged by 
right to him. In his testimony regarding the transaction 
Robert Patterson begins: "My father, Francis Patterson, of 
Bedford county, Pennsylvania, gave me," etc., enumerating 
the articles he received for his start in life and for which he 
was to preempt and improve a thousand acres of land. Then 
foUow pages of description in surveyor's terms of the land 
which belonged to Francis Patterson. This lawsuit occupied 
about ten years of time in the early years of Lexington, and 
was carried on after the death of the father, by his children. 
It is fixed by other depositions in this suit that Francis 

* H. L. B. papers. 



250 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

Patterson followed his son Robert to Kentucky, took up 
his abode there in 1787 and died in July, 1801. Robert 
Patterson nowhere tells the date of the migration of his 
father's family to Kentucky, and the facts are discover- 
able only among legal papers, such as remain. The record 
of testimony in the suit above mentioned, "Patterson vs. 
Bradford," states that "the complainant (Francis Patter- 
son) was never in the now state of Kentucky until 1787," 
which settles conclusively the date of the moving of the 
family from Pennsylvania. In another place*; "James 
Wasson deposeth that he assisted to survey the preemption 
that Francis Patterson, the plaintiff, now lives on" (1787). 
Francis Patterson's own statement made in this case in 
1793 reads as follows: " Comjilainant says that from age 
and infirmity, his memory is so extremely impaired that 
he has no distinct recollection of transactions which oc- 
curred only a few years ago. Do not remember what agree- 
ment took place between him and Robert Patterson before 
the said Robert set out for Kentucky, in the year 1775. 
But he has been informed that said Robert, in consid- 
eration of complainant having furnished him with nec- 
essaries for his journey, promised that he would make an 
improvement for him in Kentucky, which improvement 
was made accordingly, and the complainant's claim granted 
thereon." 

Seven years later another witness testifies: "I always 
have heard called the branch nearest Lexington, Cane Run, 
the branch Francis Patterson, the plaintiff, now lives on." f 
Francis Patterson had brought his second wife and Robert's 
half-brothers and sisters with him, and scattered mention of 
them is made in family letters, in Lexington records, and in the 
"Kentucke Gazette." There were eight children — P>ancis, 



* Record Fayette Co. Circuit Court. Lexington, Ky,, Court House. 

t Dep. of Jas. McDonell. 21 Jan. ISOo. Lexington Court House Recor.ls 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 251 

Robert, Jane and Mary (afterward Mrs. Ewing), by his first 
wife, Jane; William, Arthur, Mary, Thomas, by his second 
wife, Catherine ; and five others whose names are not known 
or who died young. They all settled in or near Lexington 
with the exception of Arthur, Robert's half-brother, who set- 
tled in Shelby County, on the site of the present Shelbyville. 
He married and had a family. The only one of his children 
we know anything about was a son named for his uncle, 
Robert, and a prominent lawyer. Mary Patterson Ewing 
is mentioned in her father's will. In 1802 the old, dusty, 
burnt-edged record books testif}^ once more: "It is or- 
dered that this suit is set aside, it appearing that the com- 
plainant (Francis Patterson) hath departed this life." And 
again — "that this suit be revived in the names of Francis 
Patterson and Arthur Patterson, devisees of the said Francis 
Patterson, deceased." Again — "Your orators, Arthur Pat- 
terson and Francis Patterson, children and devisees of Fran- 
cis Patterson, deceased, humbly complaining, show that said 
Francis Patterson did in his lifetime exhibit his bill in this 
court praying, etc. . . . But that before a decree was had in 
this cause said Francis died, having devised his right in said 
land to your orators" (1802). This summarizes the last 
years of the life of Francis Patterson. His wiU was found * — 
rather the copy of it defaced from fire, age and decay — in 
which his personal effects were bequeathed to his children. 
Among them the knapsack and arms of a soldier prove him 
to have served in the Continental line. In Pennsylvania he 
had been a prominent figure in the community in which he 
lived, but the years he spent in Kentucky were his later years 
when he could no longer take an active part in 
public affairs. The scant records of the time 
have no word for the aged father of Robert 
Patterson. He has dropped out of human 




252 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

recollection like so man}^ other valiant pioneers, sturdy links 
between the old generations and the new.* A search for a 
possible gravestone revealed the fact that the city of Lexing- 
ton has sold the old burying-ground for commercial purposes. 
At the time of the investigation, excavations were being made 
on the old site for a warehouse, and the lettered stones " In 
Memory of" were being dug out, broken up and hauled away 
like so much worthless rubbish. The present generation 
owes much to the third one back of it, and some day will 
wake up to the fact when there are no more court records 
and gravestones to tell the story. 

Mrs. Patterson's family, the Lindsays, had come to Ken- 
tucky to live at this time. The father, William Lindsay, 
lived with his son Joseph upon a farm on the Frankfort 
Road. The other three brothers, William, Henry and James 
Lindsay, lived on Steele's Run. James's wife was named 
Hetty ; Henry's wife was Sally ; William's \\dfe was Margaret. 
The Lindsays, like all the Pattersons, were Presbyterians 
and stanch supporters of the Bethel Church, which Robert 
Patterson helped to found. They brought their Scotch- 
Irish Presbyterianism with them through the woods, having 
family worship night and morning with their loaded guns 
leaning against the wall. Later, when the "New Light" 
revival spread through the State, they with the Pattersons 
became "Covenanters." 

Robert Patterson numbered among his friends two men, 
Mathias Denman and John Filson, and the three being of an 
enterprising and ambitious disposition made many plans for 
improving their condition and the state of the country. In 
1787, John Cleves Symmes, the eminent jurist of Xew Jersey,. 

•Chas. A. Hanna dedicates his work "The Scotch-Irish:" " To the forgotten dead of that in- 
domitable race whose pioneers in unbroken ranks from Champlain to Florida formed the advance 
guard of civilization in its progress to the Mississippi and first conquered, subdued and planted the- 
wilderness between. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 253 

had been appointed Judge of the Northwest Territory, and 
had come to Ohio. The year after, he received a grant of 
one million acres of land from the Government, bounded by 
the Ohio and Miami Rivers, and had made a settlement at 
North Bend. In the "Kentucke Gazette" of September 
sixth of this year (1788) is found: 

NOTICE. 

"The subscribers, being proprietors of a tract of land opposite the 
mouth of the Licking River on the north-west side of the Ohio, have de- 
termined to lay off a town upon that excellent situation. The local and 
natural advantages speak its future prosperity, being equal if not superior 
to any on the bank of the Ohio between the Miamis. The inlots to be 
each one-half acre; the outlots, four acres. Thirty each to be given to 
settlers upon payment of one dollar and fifty cents for the survey and 
deed of each lot. The fifteenth day is appointed for a large company to 
meet in Lexington and mark a road from there to the mouth of the 
Licking provided Judge Symmes arrives, being daily expected. Wlien 
the town is laid off, lots will be given to such as may become a resi- 
dent before the first day of April next." 

Mathias Denman 
Signed: Robert Patterson 

John Filson. 

Herein we find the germ of Cincinnati. What she now 
is began with these men, who saw in the location of the river 
bank and the hills the promise of a future city. Of the three, 
most chroniclers agree that Patterson was the strongest ; that 
the others depended greatly upon his judgment as to details 
and his influence in winning friends for the new settlement. 
Mathias Denman says in a letter to a friend that he much 
counted on Colonel Patterson's assistance in this new venture, 
"because of his enterprismg spuit and general acquaintance." 

Denman had come from New Jersey and purchased a large 
tract of land upon the banks of the Ohio opposite the mouth 
of the Licking. Filson was an Eastern man also, and had 



254 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



come from Chester County, Pa., in a wagon through the for- 
ests and down the Ohio River by flatboat, as Patterson and 
so many others had done. He is celebrated as having writ- 
ten the earhest history of Kentucky, a book remarkable for 
its times, in which the maps of the new territory were based 
upon surveys made by Daniel Boone and Simon Kenton. 
This book is now very rare and attains a high price among 
connoisseurs. John Filson and Robert Patterson had been 
associated in various ways, both business and social, during 




FORT WASHINGTON, AFTERWARD CINCINNATI 

their life at Fort Lexington. Old letters from one to the 
other prove them to have been on terms of intimate friend- 
ship. Denman sold to Patterson and Filson each an undivided 
third of "six hundred and forty acres and the fractional part 
that ma}' pertain," and, retaining the remaining third himself, 
the three became tenants-in-common of the original site of 
Cincinnati.* 

At this date, the people of the United Colonies had not 
yet arrived at the days of the blessing of a national currency. 

• A copy of their contract will be found in the Appendix. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 



255 



The coins of Spain, France and Germany were in circulation, 
as well as those of England, and the confusion was great. 
The English pound and shilling had one value in the dollars 
and cents of this country in the New England States, another 
value in New York, another in Pennsylvania, and another 
in New Jersey. Hence a contract like this between citizens 
of different States must specify the State whose standard 



was to give value to 
The English pound in 
equal to three dol- 
and one-third 
price, twenty 
paid by Patter- 
the two-thirds of 
and forty acres 
that pertained (all 
ing to about eight 
was sixty-six 
and two-thirds 
enough it 
when con- ^^^ 

with the mil- "^'''l^^^^^ ili|!^^''^ ^^^^^ ^^^^ 
ground is now 'o- ^ ■<^^^;1^^^^^^W /P*' worth. 

According to the prospectus 

above quoted, a '"^^^ ^ ' large party was 

to start on the fifteenth of September to go from Lex- 
ington to the mouth of the Licking and lay out the new 
town. But we find in the "Gazette" of September thirteenth 
this notice: 

N. B. — The time appointed to go to the mouth of the Licking is put 
off from the fifteenth, as pubhshed last week, to the eighteenth inst., 
when a large party will start from Lexington in order to meet Judge 
Symmes on Monday, the twenty-second, at that place, agreeable to his 
own appointment, and the business will then go on as proposed. 

Robert Patterson. 




the money involved. 
Virginia was then 
lars thirty-three 
cents. Thus the 
pounds, to be 
son and Filson for 
the six hundred 
and the fractions 
of this amount- 
hundred acres 
dollars sixty-six 
cents. Cheap 
vould seem 
t r a s t e d 



256 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

Deninan had gone to Limestone (Maysville) to meet 
Judge Symmes, and Filson was out in the woods with 
compass and quadrant laying out the road which the com- 
pany was to follow. This territory had been traversed but 
a few times before — once by the British Colonel Byrd, who 
led his soldiers to the attack upon Ruddles's and Martin's 
Stations, in 1780, and afterwards by the avenging army of 
Gen. George Rogers Clark. The former had followed the 
valley of the Licking and the latter that of the Kentucky; 
but Filson, with the trained eye of an engineer, found a better 
road than either. He started north from Lexington through 
Georgetown (then known as Royal Spring) and McClellan's, 
and, following the ridge of hills that separated the Licking 
tributaries from those of the Ohio, reached the mouth of 
the Licking by a nearly straight line. We might not un- 
reasonably assume that Patterson also had a voice in the 
selection of this road to the Ohio River, as it was almost 
exactly the route taken by him and the McConnells in 
1775 on their way from Pittsburg to their Kentucky 
home. Col. Reuben T. Durrett, president of the FUson Club, 
of Lexington, says of this: "Modern engineering has not im- 
proved upon the line of road thus marked out by Filson 
tlu'ough the original forest, for the simple reason that it was 
the best that could be selected. The Cincinnati Southern 
Railroad adopted it as the best route between Lexington and 
the mouth of the Licking, and now sends its locomotives 
thundering along the path over which Filson led his Losanti- 
ville adventurers one hundred and ten years ago." 

Another account of this expedition says: "Colonel Patter- 
son in a canoe paddled up to Maysville to seciu-e set- 
tlers for Losantiville. This he readily accom- 
plished, and on December twenty-fourth, 
with Mathias Demnan, Israel Ludlow, 
Henry Lindsay, James Tuttle, Captain 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 257 

Henry and twelve or more others, embarked in fiatboats to 
drop down to Losantiville, but heavy ice-floes compelled 
them to land at Columbia, the Stites settlement at mouth of 
the Little Miami, finally reaching their destination December 
twenty-eighth, landing at the high bank. Sycamore Street, at 
once using the boat lumber to build huts for temporary shelter. 
Colonel Patterson had obligated himself to give special atten- 
tion to securing colonists, and with tliis in view journeyed 
a week later on foot to Lexington, and for the next few 
months divided his time between that point, Maj'sville and 
Losantiville." 

The three men called theu- new town " Losantiville." The 
name (invented by Filson, who was something of a classical 
scholar) was composed of the initial letter L, for Licking; the 
Latin word os, meaning mouth; the Greek word anti, meaning 
opposite to ; and the French ville, meaning city — Losantiville. 
The old Indian warpath from the British garrison at Detroit 
crossed the Ohio at tliis point ; it was also the usual avenue by 
which the savages on the north side of the Ohio approached the 
Kentucky stations. Patterson and his party crossed the Ohio 
where the Licking enters it, and Filson began with his com- 
pass and cabin surveys of the new city. First Eastern Row 
(now Broadway) was laid out immediately opposite the mouth 
of the Licking, eight parallel streets to follow in a westerly 
direction and to end with Western Row (now Central Avenue) . 
The streets parallel with the river were to be numbered from 
the bank upward. 

During the first year of the settlement the new city re- 
ceived a blow in the death of John Filson. In September of 
this year, 1788, a party was organized to explore and survey 
the region watered by the Great Miami. Symmes, Patterson 
and Filson started back over the river toward the northwest 
on this errand, while Denman and Ludlow went directly to 
the mouth of the Great Miami and up its course for about ten 



258 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

miles. After they liad proceeded as far as the fifth range, 
Filson started to go back to Losantiville alone, thinking 
it perfectly safe, since no Indians had been seen in that 
region for a long time. He was never seen again. Some- 
where in the mould of the primeval forests, in the land lying 
between the mouths of the two Miamis, lie the bones of 
John Filson. He lives in his book, and no one has a better 
monument.* 

The following winter the survey was protected by a fort 
named "Washington," and some time later than this the 
name of the whole settlement was changed to "Cincinnati." 
It is later said that things would have progressed with greater 
rapidity had Robert Patterson remained on the spot, as his 
interest and enthusiasm were sure to find sympathetic ma- 
terial, but he had returned to his family at Lexington for the 
time being. The interval was so long between the initial 
steps in lajdng out Cincinnati under the name of Losantiville 
in September, 1788, and the first distribution of lots under 
Israel Ludlow in January, 1789, that some of the settlers 
fell away and went back to their homes. Cist, in his history 
of Cincinnati, gives this account: 

"Israel Ludlow came to Losantiville with twenty persons and joined 
Colonel Patterson's party. They erected three or four log cabins on Front 
Street near Main. The ground near the Ohio was covered with sycamore 
and maple and the higher ground with beech and oak. Through this 
dense forest the streets were laid out, the corners being marked upon the 
trees. This plat extended from Broadway to Western Row and back 
from the river to Seventh Street. At this time the population consisted 
of eleven families and twenty-four unmarried men, all living in log cabins 
near the present steam-boat landing. In June, 1789, Fort Washington 
was begun on Third Street between Broadway and Lawrence. This was 
a square building of logs, one hundred and eighty feet long and formed 
in a barracks two stories high. The exterior of the Fort was white- 
washed and presented a handsome and imposing appearance. On the 

* An old Dilworth's arithmetic owned by the late Robert Clark of Cincinnati, contains this inscrip- 
tion written upon the fly-leaf: "This book was given to me by my brother, John Filson, who was 
killed by an Indian on the north side of the Ohio, on October 1, 1788." 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 



259 



twenty-ninth of November, General Harmar and three hundred men 
moved from the East and garrisoned it, and November of the latter year 
saw that most disastrous engagement known as St. Clair's defeat." 

For four j^ears following the Miami raid of 1786, the In- 



dians had been com- 
toward 1790 the 
opened all along 
north of it. The 
had had three 
which to raise 
having 
without 
shooting 
heavy on their 
week to week 
were made into 
hunters 
cabins /" 
plow- / V 

farm- 
picked ;^ 
rifles. °^'"--.- 
fore, deemed 
establish a 
cations from 
ton on the 
Miami valley 
Gen. Arthur 
given corn- 
large body 
erogeneous 
the seaboard 



X'. 



paratively quiet. But 

trouble re- 

, ^ the Ohio and 

fl^ Indians 
seasons in 
corn, and now, 
abundant food 
the trovible of 
game, time hung 
hands. From 
petty invasions 
settlers' territory, 
\^ ambushed, 
burned, 
i n g 
^y"-' e r s 

p-3 ' off with 
It was, there- 
expedient to 
line of fortifi- 
Fort Washing- 
Ohio, up the 
to the Wabash. 
St. Clair was 
mand of a 
of rather het- 
troops from 
which, with 

the help of the Western militia, the Government hoped 
might put an end to the Indian troubles. St. Clair went 



ajendl ar.T/J:a^ IroiiLliIely 0^ J TrmiilTDiL 



MAJ OZn ARTHUR ST CLAIR 




260 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

to Lexington and consulted with Colonel Patterson, who 
promised to join the expedition with his own regiment 
and induce other Kentuckians to do the same. There 
was a natui'al and warrantable jealousy between the reg- 
ulars and the volunteers which operated sadly against 
what should have been sympathetic and concerted action 
of the troops. The regulars looked down on men who 
wore skin leggings and peltry caps and carried any kind of 
guns. They said the militia could not be depended upon to 
meet a charge, which was, perhaps, true; that they had no 
staying powers as soldiers and were impatient of discipline. 
The militia, being men of caliber and character, each one a 
commander as often as he was a private, men who read Milton 
and wrote arrogant letters to the Virginia legislature, did 
not enjoy keeping rank step with stevedores from the Phila- 
delphia wharfs, although these did wear the yellow facings 
of the Continental uniform. 

Therefore many months were consumed in getting the 
troops together. Then the provisions were delayed and the 
summer went by in mild inaction at Fort Washington. At 
last, in August, 1791, the army was ready to move. It con- 
sisted of twenty-three hundred privates and non-commissioned 
officers. They marched up the banks of the Great Miami and 
built Fort Hamilton. Forty-four miles north of Hamilton they 
built another fort, naming it Jefferson. Indians were seen from 
time to time, assurance enough to a frontiersman that large 
bodies were in the vicinity ; yet no scouts were sent out, and 
day after day the army marched closer to the death-trap. 
General St. Clair was the last man to place in command of such 
an expedition. By common historical consent he is granted to 
have been a gentleman, but there are times and places when 
this virtue, fundamental though it be, needs dilution with 
certain bull-dog traits to carry it through. Vigilance, prudence 
and common sense become a soldier as well as gallantry and 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 261 

courtesy. The former three he lacked, and besides, he was ill 
in body and mind and entirely inexperienced in Indian war- 
fare. 

The first disaster was the desertion of a body of sixty 
mihtia, which was augmented in gravity by the blunder of 
Stu Clair in sending a whole company of his regulars to bring 
them back, thus weakening his force by a double subtraction. 
Many horses died from want of forage, and the soldiers were 
sullen and discouraged. On November thu'd Colonel Patter- 
son returned with his regiment from a day's scout.* The 
army was camped on a commanding piece of ground, the 
right wing composed of Butler's, Clark's and Patterson's bat- 
talions, and the left of that of Colonel Drake. The intention 
was to erect earthworks, but the Indians gave them no time. 
Just before daybreak the next morning, the troops being dis- 
missed for breakfast, the Indians under Little Turtle attacked 
the right wing with great fury. The camp was thrown into 
pitiable confusion, but the officers rallied the men to arms 
and they were soon making vigorous resistance. Colonel 
Patterson's regiment not only kept the Indians at bay, but 
time after time drove them back with bayonet and sword 
until the woods and the smoke of the guns swallowed them 
up. But the other battalion suffered severely. The Eastern 
soldiers were used to meeting an acknowledged foe. Here 
there were no opposing ranks to charge — nothing but trees, 
and powder smoke coming in little spurts from behind them. 
There was a yell, a sortie, some horrid, feathered heads seen 
dimly through the smoke, then — nothing, but the dead they 
left behind them. The regulars were deficient in what 
Roosevelt calls the "wild creature qualities." They could 
fire in a square and charge in ranks following the bugle ; but 
these were useless tactics where the opposing foe crept on 
his belly, fired over the top of a log and ran away every few 

* The camp was on the site of the present town of Fort Recoverj-, 



262 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

minutes only to crawl back again from a new direction. 
Hour after hour the unequal contest was kept up. The 
attack was on all four sides at once. St. Clair rode back and 
forth, at the head of the troops, in utter disregard of bullets 
and arrows. Having gotten into a desperate place he did 
all he could to carry himself like a brave officer and soldier. 
But it was hopeless from the first. The men grew sullen, 
then discouraged, then terrified, and throwing shame and 
honor to the winds, fled like animals in a panic. The retreat 
was down the Miami Valley, past the site of Dayton, Colonel 
Patterson's regiment keeping guard in the rear. From the 
battle-ground to Fort Hamilton the Indians followed, harass- 
ing constantl}^; and by the time the remnant of troops 
reached Cincinnati it was demoralized beyond description. 
On the fields along the banks of the Wabash were left eight 
hundred and ninety-four men and sixty-one officers scalped 
and horribly mutilated. An old squaw years afterward told 
Col. John Johnston that her arm ached that night from 
scalping white men, and an officer who took one backward 
look upon the battle-ground said that the raw and shining 
heads among the frosty stubble looked like a field of ripe 
pumpkins. Colonel Patterson never could discuss this 
battle without unspeakable anger and emotion. Years 
after, at the Rubicon farm, when Ms officer associates 
met with hun to talk over their campaigns, he would walk 
the floor and grow furious with rage to recall the utter 
defeat and horror of it. The news reached President 
Washington sLx weeks after the battle, while he was enter- 
taming a dinner-party. Not until the guests had departed 
did he express himself upon it, and those who heard it called 
it Vesuvian in emphasis. 

On the return from the St. Clair defeat, Colonel Patterson 
and part)' were met by rurmers spreading the news of an in- 
vasion of Kentuck)' by twenty horse-stealing Indians, and all 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 263 

joined in pursuit. Turning up the north fork of Licking, 
Colonel Patterson and party met Bourbon County troopers 
on the traU. Simon Kenton had killed six of the Indians 
before the arrival of Patterson. About thirty horses were 
recovered, but most of the Indians escaped. This was the 
last Indian party of any considerable size to invade Ken- 
tucky. 

Neither the colony enterprise nor the fighting was allowed 
to interfere with active effort in urging upon Congress the 
petition for authoritj^ permitting Kentucky to conduct the 
war against the Indians in the way experience had shown 
best. Indeed, it is granted that for once Robert Patter- 
son's statesmanship got the better of his fighting spirit, for 
he was not enlisted in the Harmar expedition, and thus 
escaped the humiliation of being a part of that disastrous 
enterprise. 1 .;j 

Prejudice on the frontier against serving with regular 
soldiers was so much increased by the St. Clair disaster that 
to overcome it prominent Kentuckians, among them Colonel 
Patterson, were invited to visit General Wayne at Fort 
Washington and inspect the camp. For the first time Colonel 
Patterson and William Henry Harrison met and later became 
stanch friends. The Kentuckians were impressed with the 
discipline and appearance of the Legion and the character of 
the camp ; and on the strength of their report Governor Shelby 
and General Scott found less difficulty in recruiting. 

Kentucky, as has been said, became an independent State 
in 1792. In May of that year the first legislature convened 
in a two-story log schoolhouse on Main Street, Lexington. 
Isaac Shelby was chosen governor, and Robert Patterson 
was among the first representatives from Fayette County. 
The duties incident to this new legislative department pre- 
vented any participation during that year in military cam- 
paigns. Robert Patterson represented his district in the 



264 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

Kentucky legislature for the next eight years. Representa- 
tives at that time received a dollar a day as their allowance 
for public service, and during the first session they passed 
thirty-seven laws and six resolutions. 

From 1788 to 1802 Robert Patterson divided his time 
between corn-fields, legislative halls and battle-fields, in Lex- 
ington or in the new town of Losantiville, as the case happened 
to be. It is not surprising that the new city increased but 
slowly in size. Bad weather, Indian defeats and the ab- 
sence of its founder hindered advance. However, the rec- 
ords show that in 1792, fifty persons were added to the pop- 
ulation, and more the next year. So this settlement, begun 
amid all the dangers and difficulties which the wilderness 
offered — tangled paths, ice in the river and all order hindered 
by the ruthless barbarity of the savages, who resented each 
encroachment upon what they considered their lands — has 
grown steadily for one hundred years until the vast, smoky, 
crowded city, which has overflowed from its original site to 
the hills beyond, would be an unbelievable sight to the three 
men who founded it. 

Collins, in his History of Kentucky, pays this tribute to 
the memory of Robert Patterson: "It is not a credit to the 
liberality or gratitude of the authorities of Cincinnati that 
they should attempt to perpetuate the names of Denman and 
Patterson by attaching them to little insignificant short 
streets in the northwest part of the city. A great avenue 
around the city should be laid out and called 'Denman,' 
and McMillan Street should be extended to East Walnut Hills 
and known as 'Patterson Avenue.' Cincinnati should per- 
petuate the names of these grand founders rather than 
those of her small beer politicians and wire workers." 

The Losantiville enterprise was not a fortunate move for 
Colonel Patterson. He lived in the fort for one month only, 
and then returned to his familv at Lexington. Mrs. Patter- 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 265 

son found that the duties connected with the new settlement 
kept her husband going and coming between there and his 
home, then a long, tiresome journey. So when an offer came 
to buy his third interest, Mrs. Patterson's wishes decided him, 
and in November, 1794, he sold his title in the site of Cin- 
cinnati for two thousand pounds, Virginia money — or about 
eight dollars an acre. The years between 1792 and 1802 were 
the most uneventful and consequently the most happy for 
the Patterson family. The lands on Cane Run had become 
valuable and the town property well improved. 

The following reminiscences of the home life of that time 
have been preserved from the pen of Catherine Patterson 
Brown.* She says: 

"Lexington was a brisk, thrifty community in 1793, Father at home 
with Mother and Rebecca, Margaret, EHzabeth and Francis. Sister Re- 
becca began school the month of my birtla, fatlier paying four hundred 
pounds of pork, tuition fee for the half year. 

" From the very first Fayette County made liberal provision for cabin 
schools, the first in a cabin not far outside the Lexington Stockade in 
1785, improving each year with the best of the times. I do not remember 
much of the Kentucky schools, altho I attended four winters. Father 
and mother were very careful, all of us attending preaching with them 
twice each Sunday, a day of rest for the family and servants, except the 
big dinners with plenty of company. Big Joe, field hand and hunter, 
supphed turkey, lamb or venison for our Sunday dinner regularly. Father 
was also a very successful hunter and trapper. Francis did not shoot 
until after we came to the Rubicon farm. We had four families of blacks 
in Kentucky, managed without trouble, but other farm help father 
changed several times. 

" My sisters could dye, spin, weave, sew and knit, but I being younger 
had httle work or care while we lived in Kentucky. Servants did the 
work, but sisters had the responsibility, under mother, of getting the work 
out, there being a great deal of it outside of daily house keeping, as be- 
sides our family necessities, food and raiment was to be provided for the 
large number of servants. We had the wool, flax and hemp to be worked 
into material to clothe the family and help, except our own 



Third daughter of Robert and Elizabeth PattersoD. 




266 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

Sunday wear. Father and mother being neat in attire, endeavored to 
give us all tidy habit. 

"In neighborhoods, and later in social circles, \vc found pleasure in 
'bees,' picnics, parties, fruit pickings, barbecues which were often great 
frolicks, and much visiting. Sisters exchanged visits with young friends 
of Frankfort, Paris, Georgetown and Maysville. The Blue Licks were 
places of popular resort for young people. 

" On the farm we had cattle, horses and mules in droves, besides small 
stock, and raised hemp, grain and vegetables. Mother said that bear 
meat and grease entered largely into kitchen supplies, and that she did 
not use much pork or lard for the years she lived in the first cabin, and 
therefore father had little butchering done until the number of servants 
required more regular supply of meat. 

"Father was noted for fine stock in Kentucky and on the Rubicon 
and we all had fine saddle horses. I rode a great deal, at first using 
Francis' pony. 

"At home in Lexington we entertained a great deal, friends from the 
East coming and going, Virginia officers, prominent Kentuckians on State 
affairs, and gentlemen for conferences to engage father in land or town 
site speculations. I do not think his inchnations were for speculation 
after selling his Cincinnati interests, having plenty to do on his Kentucky 
farms." 

Robert Patterson's unvarying kindness of heart, extended 
to all in need, often led him into trouble. He became 
security for one John Arthur, a deputy revenue collector, 
who failed, owing a debt of six thousand dollars to the 
United States Government. This obligation came upon 
Robert Patterson and seriously crippled him. His wealth 
was in land and houses and stock. Ready money seems 
never to have been in anybody's hands in pioneer days. 
There was still another sum of four thousand dollars which 
might have to be paid, and of which he did pay five hundred 
dollars. Under these difficulties Robert Patterson longed 
to find a new home where land was cheaper and where he 
might begin anew. Perhaps, also, it was that passion for 
unln'oken ground which pulls the settler onward with a fas- 
cination hard to understand: all this new couutrv seemed 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 



267 




to beckon to him and to offer a home for his old age and 
for his children's children. Of his childi'en there were nine 
to support, and he remarks (not complainingly, only plain- 
tively) in his memorial to Congress praying for a pension, 
that his family "are mostly 
females." 

In the crisis that urged 
Robert Patterson to abandon 
the home in Lexington that 
had been conquered out of 
the wilderness by his own 
hard labor, his mind 
turned naturally to the 
Miami Valley. The va- 
rious expeditions against 
the Indians in which he had 
participated had given him op- 
portunity to see the finest farming 
lauds in the country. Most of the 

territory of the Indian battles lay between the Scioto and 
Little Miami Rivers. All this ground he had been over, but 
he had been most agreeably impressed with the valley of the 
Great Miami, especially that part lying near and about the 
mouth of Mad River.* 

His favorable opinion of these rich, rolling, unoccupied 
lands, the natural advantages of watercourses and materials, 
and fertility of soil, formed on his first advance up the valley in 
July, 1779, was more than confirmed during the four later ex- 
peditions. Yet his proj^erty interests were in Kentucky, where 
he held high political and social station. Lexington seemed 
to belong to the Pattersons, and the Pattersons to Lexington. 
The farm would weU provide for old age, and wife and family 
were content. Notwithstanding all this, he felt a duty to 



THE PATTERSON CRADLE 



^ The present Dayton. 



268 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

seek prosperity in a broader field, where his children would 
have the advantage of inheriting a large instead of a restricted 
property. The result of these plans was that Robert Patter- 
son left his Lexington property to indemnify the Govern- 
ment, while the proceeds of the Cincinnati sale were devoted 
to making payments on a farm and mill site near Clifton, 
Ohio, and on a large tract south of what is now Dayton. The 
removal north did not take place, however, until some years 
later. 

The Xisbet papers tell us that 

" When the Indian border across the Ohio had become quiet, oppo- 
sition to slavery in Kentucky caused many excellent citizens around Lex- 
ington to move north. John and James Patterson, cousins to Robert, 
had sold their property and left in 1798 to settle near Dayton, James 
being just twenty-one, and John nine years older. A number of the Pat- 
tersons' friends and members of the congregation also emigrated to the 
frontier, WilHam Nisbet, James Purviance, WiUiam King and others to 
the number of twenty. In 1799, Robert Patterson set out with tents, 
provisions and servants on pack horses, to ride to Mad River. At Dayton 
log hamlet they separated to prospect. Colonel Robert following a path 
through the Van Cleve tract to the new cabins which John and James 
Patterson had erected on Beaver Creek. They rode with father to the 
Little Miami and the falls above the old battle ground. Wm. Nisbet and 
party explored Wolf Creek anil to the Indian Milages on the Twin. Har- 
vest was over when the travellers reached home." 

Three years later (1802), the question of removal still 
agitating the family, the Colonel made another trip to Ohio, 
spending most of his time on the Little ]\Iiami above Waynes- 
ville, his headquarters being with John and James Patterson 
on Beaver Creek while negotiating the purchase of land. 
Upon the return of Colonel Patterson from this last trip with 
glowing accounts of the climate and land in Ohio, the rush 
of settlers for the fertile ground along the Miamis and the 
establishing of schools and churches led Mrs. Patterson to 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 269 

yield. Announcement of plans was, however, withheld until 
the time of celebrating Robert Patterson's fiftieth anniversary, 
which occurred on March fifteenth, 1803. 

Margaret Patterson, afterwards Mrs. Venable, wrote: 

"Those were pleasant, busy weeks on the farm, mother and sisters 
with friends and corps of colored cooks at their best in preparation for 
the barbecue, that being the only character of feast possible in entertain- 
ment of a large company, the hunters bringing in venison and other 
game. The house was filled with company several days in advance of 
the anniversary, including guests from Frankfort, relatives and friends 
from all about. Conspicuous in attendance on the day were the 
Colonel's old army associates, the center of groups interested in stories 
of the wars. Some of these old fighters visited the Patterson home in 
after years on the Rubicon. 

" Bright spring weather faciUtated celebration on the anniversary. 
Deer, lamb and wild turkey carcasses were barbecued, and long tables 
under the trees well filled with steaming meats and vegetables, oven bread, 
pickles and salads, no fruit, but an abundance of rich preserves and jellies, 
cakes, pies, coffee and bowls of toddy of home made liquors and wines. 
Greetings of comrades were an interesting feature of the anniversary, 
and for instruction and pleasure of the large company, especially of the 
younger participants, these heroes of frontier times, altho wounded and 
otherwise disabled, gave an exhibition of scenes on the war paths. For 
this purpose the fresh carcass of a deer had been reserved. They cut it 
up, made 'jerk' and cooked for themselves as many a time alone in the 
woods each had provided for himself in years gone by. Entering into 
the spirit of the occasion, as their host desired, they cut the venison in 
strips the size of a tenderloin of a young hog, then with sHces of the juicy 
meat held on forked sticks over coals of the barbecue fires until roasted, 
which seasoned only with salt they distributed as a rare treat, enjoying 
a share themselves. To further carry out the illustration of backwoods 
feasting Mrs. Patterson served Johnny-cake and pone, flavored (or in 
frontier parlance 'anointed') with bear's oil, the cakes baked on hot 
stones and boards in circles of glowing coals. With this also ' bear 
jerk' from the family smoke house supply. _^ ^^^ 

" In the hour of after dinner cheer, father made known to the (^ \/ 
company his intention to move to Ohio. All knew of his relief , ^"-" 

from unfortunate financial embarrassment by payment of '■ 




270 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

security debts, and had hoped that rumors of removal might prove 
untrue, but this anniversary announcement made certain the change." 

Ashley Brown writes from family notes: 

" When a few weeks later spring farm work was well under way Colonel 
Patterson, attended as usual by a servant, proceeded to the Little Miami 
River and erected the mill which he held until his death. Afterwards he 
called upon the Pattersons on Beaver Creek, and visited old friends in or 
near Dayton. Here learning that the Cooper Mills, distillery and farm 
south of the village were for sale, and appreciating the fact that as the 
county seat, this would be a fine trade center, he followed Mr. Cooper, 
who had gone to Cincinnati to be married, and there struck a bargain, 
June, 1803, for purchase of the entire property, which next year he 
named the Rubicon, a portion of which land is now [1902] owned by 
his grandchildren, Stephen J., John H. Patterson and Julia Patterson 
Crane. 

"This purchase changed his plans, for instead of moving to the Clifton 
land, the family settled at Dayton and never had cause for regret. He 
returned to Dayton for more careful inspection of the mills and to get 
the lay of the land, but had started for Kentucky before arrival of the' 
judges and attorneys for holding the first Montgomery County Court. 
He afterwards bought more land, some of it west of the river, giving him 
altogether seven hundred acres. He paid for the Greene County land with 
proceeds of sale of his Cincinnati property, leaving a balance to apply in 
part pay for the Dayton tract. The first election for Congress was held 
during Robert Patterson's first visit to Dayton in 1803." 

One other important family event occurred at this time, 
the first family wedding. Robert Patterson hurried home 
from his prospecting trip in Ohio to be present at the marriage 
of his oldest daughter, Rebecca, to Dr. John Goodlet, of 
Bardstown, on June first, 1803. The wedding took place in 
the family home on the hill and the Rev. Robert Marshall 
was the officiating clergyman. The young couple made a 
bridal tour on horseback as far as Louisville, stopping for 
brief visits at the homes of various friends on the way, and 
before the end of June had settled down in their home at 
Bardstown. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 



271 



The break-up at the old Kentucky home is remembered 
very httle by the children. Mrs. Catherine P. Brown tells 
of the confusion following Rebecca's wedding, the disposal 
of furniture and other household articles, then after har- 
vest the sale in Lexington public square. Colonel Patter- 
son spent some time at Dayton in the fall of 1803, and 
again the next spring when Mr. Cooper was building a 
home in the village preparatory to vacating the Rubicon 
farm after the harvest of 1804, as had been agreed upon. 
When in the summer farm implements could be spared, 
two wagon loads, partly of furniture, were sent to Dayton, 
and late in the fall of 1804 the Patterson family were to 
follow. 

The thirty years that had elapsed since the coming of 
Robert Patterson, a raw youth of twenty-one, to the stockade 
fort at Royal Spring, to the day when a man of fifty-one he 
said farewell to his home, had been the making of the 
State of Kentucky. He had seen it develop from "the dark 
and bloody ground," as it was 
known to the early settlers, 
into a land of peace and plenty 
and safety. Green fields took 
the place of the dim, unbroken 
forest, peopled with terrors. The 
church and schoolhouse had suc- 
ceeded the camp fire 
and the stockade, and 
direct communication 
with the East was 
making life easy and 
happy and wholesome. 
To all of these ends 
had Robert Patterson 
worked. 



INSCRIPTION ON CHAIR 



This chair was made 
about 1780 bv an enlisted 
foldier at Bryan's Sta- 
tion. Ky. It was made in 
the Block House which 
was surrounded bv a 
stockade of logs. In "l804 
t he chair was brought from 
Lexington. Ky., to Rubi- 
con fami by Col. Robert 
Patterson to whom it had 
been presented by the sol- 
diers (so she told me in 
1833). — JuLi.\ Johnston 
Patterson. 




272 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



" No longer now the savage made his rounds 

Among Kentucky's prehistoric mounds, 
No longer on the bison's lickward track 
Was heard his whoop and deadly rifle's crack, 

And o'er Ohio's waters still and blue 

No longer sped his silent war canoe — 

The unknown land had wakened from her dream, 
The night had passed and morning reigned supreme."' 



•H. T. Stanto 













'^ov^c. --^^s. 



f^ 




" 'Twas a land of primal feature in 

a lavish splendor dressed, 
With its harvest fields forsaken, and 

its homes and farms at rest; 
This before the wary savage, on 

his predatory round. 
Crossed the trail of any Saxon in 

the holy hunting ground; 
This before the feathery arrow made 

its noiseless midnight flight, 
From the darkness of the forest to 

the bosom of the white." 

— Henry T. Stanton 




i^v urvCi/UrEO; 



■riLY IN 
,T Pat- 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON— (Concluded) 

The arrival of the Patterson family in 
Dayton; weddings and freshets; Robert Pat- 
terson's influence IN THE church; HIS FRIENDS 
and associates; Rubicon farm; his pursuits; 
his family connections; his part in THE War 
OF 1812; HIS death in 1827. 




COL. ROBERT PATTERSON— (Continued) 

"This is the gospel of labor — ring it, ye bells of the kirk — 
The Lord of Love came down from above to live with the men who work. 
This is the rose that he planted, here in the thorn-cursed soil — 
Heaven is blest ivith perfect rest, but the blessing of earth is toil." 

Henry Van Dyke, 




^HAT Robert Patterson had lived the 
resolute life, no one who reads this his- 
tory will deny. From whatever point 
we view him we find determmation of 
purpose and both physical and mental 
activity. And this activity was only par- 
tially directed to personal ends. From the time that 
he made his first clearing on the site of Lexington until he 
took up his abode in Dayton, his days and years were de- 
voted to xvork — primarily for his country, incidentally for 
himself and those dependent upon him. He had great 
physical vigor, to begin with, which his life out of doors and 
his regular, simple habits confirmed. He is described* as 
being about six feet in height, of a ruddy complexion, blue 
eyes and sandy hair, the coloring now seen in so many of 
his descendants. His sinewy frame was most erect and 
stately in spite of wounds which would have weakened the 
carriage of an ordinary man. Not until the closing decade 



' Lyman C. Draper's MSS., Wis. Hist. Soc. 



275 



276 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

of his life did he show in his walk or attitude the effect of 
his wounds or his years. He never would have known a day's 
inconvenience from physical causes had it not been for these 
unhealed wounds which gave him increasing trouble as he 
grew in age. He had given to the State of Kentucky and 
the town of Lexington his best service, and hoped to do the 
same for the young city which he had just adopted as his 
later home. 

Catherine Patterson Brown says in her memoirs: 

"Father retired from military life in the fall of 1795, ending an active 
service of twenty-five years in which tomahawk, axe and loaded rifle were 
in hand ready for use day or night. Beginning with the expedition to the 
Pickaway Plains in 1774 he had been in service in the Northwest Territory 
every year but one, until we moved to Ohio in 1804."* 

It was this kind of citizen that Lexington lost and that 
Dayton acquired. His coming was an event that helped to 
shape the history of the town ; a family migration resembling 
that of a patriarch of the Old Testament, except that with 
all the flocks and herds and children there was only one wife. 

Others of the Lexington party of friends afterwards 
bought land, and, following the Pattersons' example, settled 
around Dayton. The Nisbets named their settlement on 
Twin Creek, New Lexington. William Patterson and Wil- 
liam Lindsay lived in Dajton; John Patterson, a cousin of 
Robert, the founder of the Shaker Community, came later 
with his wife Phoebe. 

The family of Robert and Elizabeth Patterson, at the 
time of their removal to Dayton, had been as follows: 

William, born in the Lexington Stockade, January 
thii'tieth, 1781; died Sejitember twenty-fourth, 1782. 

William Lindsay Patterson, born January second, 1783, 

* Mrs. Brown is somewhat inaccurate here. Robert Patter.^on was enrolled in the Lancaster 
Mounted Kifies of Pennsylvania when he was only seventeen. His ser\*ice thenceforth was almost con- 
tinuous until after St. Clair's defeat. From 1793 he wore civilian uniform until the breaking out of 
the War of 1812, when he served as quartermaster. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 277 

also in the Lexington Stockade; died six days later, Janu- 
ary eighth, 1783. 

Rebecca, born February ninth, 1784/^^ 
Margaret, born June ninth, 1786.'^' 
Elizabeth, born January twenty-seventh, 1788.'^' 
Francis, born April sixth, 1791; died a bachelor at Pal- 
myra, Missouri, September eleventh, 1854. 
Catherine, born March seventh, 1793.'^' 
Jane, born May twenty-fifth, 1795.''" 
Harriet, born March twenty-fifth, 1797."'' 
Robert Lindsay, born May twenty-seventh, 1799.''' 
Jefferson, born May twenty-seventh, 1801.'*' 

Elizabeth Patterson Nisbet wrote of the journey of her 
father's family, from one home to another, made when she 
was a girl of sixteen : 

" The excitement of packing and leaving may have afforded pleasure to 
us younger ones, but farewells were very trying to father and mother who 
could not altogether suppress tears at parting from relatives and old friends. 

" We started from Lexington the last Monday in October, mother and 
the rest of us walking, or in wagons or on horseback, with servants, goods 
and provisions, implements, drove of cattle, and several led horses with 
packs. L^ncle William Lindsay and father in turn rode ahead to select 
camping ground or tavern as suited best, and we cooked from supplies in 
the wagons. I, like the rest, changed from horse to wagon at pleasure, and 
walked some of the way. We camped near Covington the first Sunday 

(1) Married Dr. John Gor>dlet before Colonel Patterson moved from Kentucky, ani.! lived at 
Bardstown. 

(2) The wife of Dr. Venable, in 1807, Liter of Kev. }&=. Welsh, lastly of Samuel Caldwell. 

(3) Married James I. Nisbet. 

(4) In the log house. Lexington; married at the age of eighteen Henry Brown, ami was the 
mother of Robert Patterson Brown. Henry I. indsav Brown and Eliza Jane .\nder8on. Married the 
second time. .Andrew Irwin, who died in 1827. leaving a son. Her third husband, H. G. Phillips, of 
Dayton, died November tenth, 1859. She died .August twelfth, 1864. and is buried by the side of 
her first husband. Henry Brown, in Woodland Cemetery, Dayton. 

(.5) Married John Steele, of Fayette County, Ky., .\pril twenty-fourth, 1815. They lived on 
their farm on Steele's Run. where their children, Andrew. Elizabeth and William, were born. John 
Steele diecl December eighteenth. 1863; Jane died in 1876, and was buried by the side of her husband 
in the family lot in the rear of the old homestead. 

(6) Married Henry St odilard, a lawyer of Dayton, December fourth, 1821 .and died October first. 
1822. a few weeks after her son .\sa was born. .She was buried in Woodland Cemetery, near Dayton. 

(7) Died a bachelor at the Rubicon home, .\ugust thirtieth. 1833, and was buried on the family 
lot in Woodland Cemetery, near Dayton, His mother died a few weeks later. 

(8) Married'Julia, daughter of Col. John Johnston of Upper Piqua. February twenty-sixth, 
1833. Julia .Johnston was born at Upper Piqua. .August sixteenth, 1811. 



27S CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

and the next day crossed into Ohio, safely swimming the live stock, as the 
ferry was very slow. 

"Father and mother left us the morning we started from the tavern 
outside of Cincinnati. I think it was the Blue Goose Inn, a large brick, 
very respectably kept, and had large feedyard. I stopped there for meals 
on several trips after that, but never again over night. Father and 
mother took JefTerson and Robert with them and reached Dayton 
three days ahead of us. Father becoming anxious returned to meet us, 
the cattle being very slow travelers. We had fine weather all the way, 
no sickness and plenty of company." 

Mrs. Chas. Anderson, late of Kuttawa, Ky., remembered 
hearing her mother, Catherine Patterson Brown, tell of 
the journey to Dayton and how she, a little girl of eleven, 
teased her father to tell her what kind of a house they were 
going to live in. He explained that it was not a stone house, 
such as they had left in Lexington, but a log house. After 
that, at every log house that came in sight, Catherine would 
ask, "Is that our house, father?" At last they reached a 
point on the Miami road, opposite the present Rubicon farm, 
where now a lane runs down to a small wooden bridge over 
the canal. There stood a good stout log house near the road, 
the predecessor of the present "Rubicon."* 

We are indebted to the memory of Catherine Patterson 
Brown for details of this beginning at the farm : 

" If there was disappointment at first view of the new home, or chagrin 
at change from the stone residence in Kentucky to log house on the frontier, 
the feeling did not find expression, for in mother's example we took hold 
cheerfully in arranging the house and furniture. f There were three rooms 
downstairs, and four bed rooms upstairs, for the family of ten. The house 
faced the river a quarter mile away, and stood in an orchard of bearing 
apple, pear and peach trees; there was an outside kitchen and smoke house, 
and a spring at the foot of the liill. Mill and farm hands lived in cabins 
around the mills, and at the spring back on the farm. Cabins were built 
for the blacks. 

•~H. h. B. Papers. 

tit will be remembered that this was the second time in Mrs. Patterson's married life that she had 
left a stone dwelling to live in a log cabin. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 279 

" Before winter was over we were as comfortable as ever, finding pleas- 
ant society with old and new friends, for in no settlement could nicer people 
• be found than in and around Dayton. We had pleasure in anticipation, 
having pledged before leaving Lexington that father and mother should 
have a silver wedding celebration. 

" Our little miUs were running nearly all winter, men and boys coming 
one, two and three days' ride with grain, camping along the creek to await 
turn. When snow came logs were sledded with teams of six or eight oxen 
or horses, lumber engagements being more than the mill could cut. We 
walked to Dayton to school, taking dinners with us, and could go on horse- 
back to church if we Hked. 

" From the saw mill a few rods north of the house a road led through 
the woods to Dayton, the road we used, entering at site of the new grave- 
yard (Fifth street graveyard between Ludlow and Wilkinson), established 
that year (1805). The ' big road,' now Brown Street, led from Dayton, pass- 
ing the grist mill a half mile east of the house, thence through Lebanon to 
Cincinnati, sixty miles. South of our house was the sugar camp, and I 
think in February we tapped quite a hundred trees, making some molasses, 
mostly sugar. We had no other than tree sugar as long as I lived at home 
and for many years after in my own home. Sugar making gave us children 
plenty to do that first season, as the creeks were up and the men aU busy at 
the mills or clearing north of the saw mill. 

" Gardens could not be made until very late, for March was a month of 
heavy rains, causing a great flood in the rivers, a new and strange sight for 
us. The waters nearly reached our door. The frontyard fences and bot- 
tom field fences were carried off, and the torrent covered with drift spread 
into the woods west of the river channel as far as the eye could reach. Ru- 
bicon creek was like a river, mills stopped, the roads under water, and we 
could not get into Dayton for two weeks. The town was a sorrowful 
picture, mud covering everything, streets and yards piled with drift, the 
people disheartened by the sickly season which followed. Not so with us 
on the farm, where the fences were soon rebuilt, and there was no other 
damage. 

" The flood prevented anything but a family celebration of the wedding 
anniversary. We had an extra dinner, and I remember the fish the men 
trapped, big fish, and we had them often after that. 

" With the work that we always had to do about the house, and im- 
provements constantly being made and our surroundings pleasant, we be- 
came attached to our Rubicon home, and these warm feehngs for the old 
place never left me, and it was the same with my brothers and sisters who 



280 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

lived there longer so happily with father and mother. I lived there seven 
winters; as I grew into womanhood I had a saddle horse of my own, riding 
often to visit Elizabeth (Mrs. Nisbet) on Twin Creek, or Mr. Hole's family, 
sometimes with Francis on business for father in the little German settle- 
ment called Hole's Station, or near there to visit Major Adams and family 
at the Muster Prairie. With mother I frequently rode over to the Brad- 
fords, and down to Beulah or to our cousins on Beaver, where I many times 
stayed over night or for longer visits. We had many pleasant times at the 
Edgar and Van Cleve homes, and with the Millers on Stillwater, or farther 
up in the quiet Waymire neighborhood, or east of the Miami at times in 
the Whittan home. The Williams and Kings were nice people on Wolf 
Creek. The Kings had been pleasant family acquaintances, members of 
the same church in Kentucky. We visited Rev. Robinson and wife up 
Mad River, and other friends at Mercer's and Xenia; and with the Ewings, 
Archers and others on Sugar Creek. 

" That only in part made up the acquaintance, for families were all on 
equal social footing in the early times. Father had a very close friend, 
Col. Samuel Hawkins, with quite a large family at the Forks of Twin, to 
whose house, a tavern I believe, I rode with father on one occasion. Philip 
Gunckel and family were prominent. 

"Col. Hawkins, Major Adams, Dr. Hole, Dr. Elliott, Judge Spinning, 
James Galloway, with father and possibly others whom I may have forgot- 
ten, made up a circle of Revolutionary soldiers respected in the com- 
munity, and honored on all public occasions during their lives. Besides 
these older friends, were neighbors and comrades who had served with 
him in the Indian Wars. In later years his closer friends were, like 
mother's friends, nearly all in the Presbyterian Church. Father and my 
husband were closely associated in business; and father was very fond 
of his other sons-in-law, Capt. Nisbet, John Steele and Henry Stoddard. 

" When the flood of 1805 had subsided, father sent to the Cincinnati 
market two wagon loads of flour, ten barrels in each, and one of ten 
sacks of wheat, four horses to each wagon. The mill teams hauled 
back goods for Dayton merchants. The other team belonged to Uncle 
William Lindsay, having brought a 'oad of our furniture from Lex- 
ington in the fall, and was sent on to him near Georgetown from Cincin- 
nati. Father shipped flour, grain and meat by boat to Cincinnati, and in 
turn my brothers Francis and Robert took cargoes to New Orleans, and 
selling out returned home on horseback."* 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 281 

It will be interesting for the descendants of Robert Pat- 
terson to attempt to reconstruct the Dayton of our present 
knowledge into the Dayton that their grandfather found when 
his wagons and cattle emerged from the thicket of second- 
growth trees and hazel bushes which tangled the road from 
Cincinnati all the way up to Main Street. Indeed, at that 
time, the town was mostly on paper. Lots were platted 
about the corner of Third and Main, and that was called the 
center of town, but there was no sign of buildings. The river 
bank, now Monument Avenue, was cleared of brush and trees, 
and there stood Newcom's Tavern in the prime of its youth, 
and one or two other houses. Strangers visiting the place 
came up the track through the middle of Main Street, and 
asking at Newcom's where Dayton was, were told that they 
had just passed through it.* There was a deep ravine or gully 
across Main Street at Third, which was later filled up. 

The land which Robert Patterson had purchased of Daniel 
Cooper and Pej^ton Short was an immense tract stretching 
east and west, from what is now the lake at the Soldiers' 
Home, across the river to the Shakertown Pike. It included 
the Fair Grounds, the present Rubicon farm, the site of St. 
Mary's school, the Wead farm, and the ground upon which 
St. Elizabeth's Hospital is built. The Cook farm, of two hun- 
dred acres, also belonged to him, as well as a farm between 
Clifton and Yellow Springs, in Greene County, where he built 
and operated a mill. This property amounted, in the aggre- 
gate, to twenty-four hundred and seventeen acres. 

There were no bridges over the Miami when the Patter- 
sons came to Dayton, but there were two ferries — one at the 
end of First Street, which took passengers over to what is now 
Dayton View, near Schauta's brewery; the other at the foot 
of Fourth Street, which was the beginning of the journey to 
Cincinnati. The approaches to these ferries were mere tracks 

* John Van Cleve. 



282 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

through the woods. The first bridge was built in 1819, 
Robert Patterson being one of the Commissioners who had the 
matter in charge. 

In March, 1805, the great flood referred to by Catherine 
Patterson Brown swept over the towTi plat. No levees had 
been constructed; the little settlement was at the mercy of the 
Miami, and we knew that river to be a formidable foe when 
roused. The Pattersons, secure upon their farm on high 
ground, suffered no loss, but the river broke through its banks 
at the head of Jefferson Street, as it has done in the more recent 
annals of Dayton, and swept through the town in a stream so 
deep that a horse could not cross without swimming.* The 
water was eight feet deep on Main Street. This disaster 
caused much concern, and it was urged that the low site be 
abandoned and Dayton moved to higher levels. 

By the time Robert Patterson had been living in Dayton 
four or five years the town had put on quite a cosmopolitan 
air. There were five stores and three taverns. Two blocks 
on Main and one on First Street were built up. To be 
sure, the east side of Main Street was still a tangle of wild 
fruit-trees and grapevines, but the new court-house gave an 
air of distinction to the town, and the dinner-bell in the belfry 
of the fine two-story inn belonging to Colonel Reid, on the site 
of the i^resent Baptist Church, gave a festive tone to the street. 

In 1808 the town had a weekly paper — the "Repertory." 
In 1817 was started a line of keel boats on the river, connect- 
ing with Lake Erie by way of the Miami and Maumee Rivers, 
and with the Mississippi by way of the Miami and Ohio. The 
journey's of these boats were great events for Daytonians, 
who crowded to the head of Main and Jefferson streets at 
every arrival and departure. 

The fii'st brick house in Dayton was built in 1S06, on the 
southwest corner of Main and Second Streets, where the 

♦ "Early Dayton," Mary D. Steele. 



MAP OF ROBERT PATTERSON S DAYTON LAND 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 283 

Mclntiie Building now stands. The Presbyterian Meeting, 
house, built of logs, was near the corner of Third and Main, 
but so hidden by the thicket that it could not be seen by 
travelers on the road. It was eighteen by twenty feet in size, 
seven logs high, and had a puncheon floor. Colonel and Mrs. 
Patterson and their children were among the first worshipers 
in this church. There was a sawmill on First Street and a 
grist-mill at the head of Mill Street, and the citizens had 
begun a levee to protect their property from floods. Mr. 
Cooper had given land at the corner of Third and Main Streets 
for a graveyard, but property in that locality was rising in 
value, and the graveyard was removed to Fifth Street. 

In the year 1803 there were only five families living in 
Dayton. The next year, however, witnessed quite a growth; 
besides the addition of Robert Patterson's family, the popu- 
lation was increased by the arrival of Henry Brown (who 
married one of the Patterson daughters), Luther Bruen and 
Joseph H. Crane. 

Robert Patterson's taxes for that first year in Dayton did 
not impoverish him; for we read that the amount paid by 
the entire town in 1804 was only four hundred and eighty- 
five dollars and forty cents.* Of this sum Colonel Pat- 
terson paid two dollars and twenty-four cents; John Pat- 
terson, Sr., one dollar and sixty cents; John Patterson, Jr., 
fifty cents; James Patterson, eighty cents; James I. Nisbet, 
three dollars and twenty cents. Dayton became the county 
seat in 1803, and improvements of many kinds began. The 
town was mcluded in the mail route from Cincinnati to De- 
troit, and a j^ost rider arrived and left once in two weeks. 

Robert Patterson soon l^egan to add to the importance of 
the growing town. He built the old stone mill that stood 
for many years on Warren Street, and operated the sawmill 
which had already been erected on the west side of the farm. 



' Mary D. Steele, "Early Dayto 



284 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



He owned a grist-mill, a fuUing-mUl, a sawmill, and a double 
carding-machine, all in complete order. The farm itself lay 
between two much-traveled roads, and was well furnished 
with live stock, farm implements and provisions. The name 
"Rubicon" was fastened upon it quite early in its history. 
A small stream ran across the field between the farm and the 
town, making a natural division line. One daj', shortly after 
the purchase of the farm in 1804, Colonel Patterson discov- 
ered a hired man in the ser^^ce of Mr. Cooper digging up 
shrubs from the wTong side of the stream, to enrich his em- 
ployer's garden. Robert Patterson drove him off with the 
command: "Go to your master and say that this stream shall 
be the Rubicon between us. He or anyone that belongs to 
him crosses it at his peril." This classical allusion on the 
part of the pioneer soldier-survej^or-farmer suggests that he 
had found time for reading as well as for fighting in his busy 
years. The servant told Mr. Cooper of the circumstance, and 
friends of both parties, hearing the story, dubbed the little 
stream the Rubicon; the farm began to be called the Rubi- 



con, and this 




was finally adopted by 
the o\\Tier as its name, 
and has so continued 
to this day. 

New stores 
opened in 
Dayton in 
1805 and 
1806; and 
in 18 7 
many log 
cabins gave 
place to frame 
and brick dwell- 
ings. People were 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 285 

on an equal social footing; no caste lines had been in- 
vented, and gatherings for pleasure or mutual aid were 
most informal. The court-house and the tavern were used 
for dances, dinners and political meetings. There was danc- 
ing in the street in the daytime, it is said — before the 
court-house, along the river bank, and in places through the 
woods east of Main Street, as far as Benjamin Van Cleve's 
cabin. Other social gatherings were held in the Main Street 
taverns from Fourth Street to the river — at Strain's, McCul- 
lom's, Reid's, Grimes's and Newcom's. Horseback riding 
was universal, and nothing was thought of a ten or fifteen- 
mile trip through the woods. 
Catherine P. Brown writes: 

"I remember in 1S09 or ISIO riding in a party to a large Indian camp 
on the Military road along Stillwater somewhere near Ludlow Falls. Mr. 
Henry Brown [afterwards her husband] carried dress goods, blankets, bri- 
dles, saddles, axes, kettles and other government annuities on a hundred 
pack horses for distribution among the Wabash Indians. Camps of traders 
were there from Detroit, Cincinnati and Pittsburg for barter with the tribes 
that were coming and going, several weeks disposing of bales of skins and 
furs. The Indians in these camps were always engaged in some sport, target 
shooting with rifle or bow and arrow, ball games, foot races and horse races. 

"Great rivalry existed among our men as to the speed of their horses, and 
pride in training the many spirited animals, thoroughbreds that never wore 
collar, being saddlers only. Rubicon farm Kentucky stock was noted, and 
father was pleased at Frank's report of running races on court days or at 
other gatherings in town. The mile of level road passing our grist mill, and 
the First Street stretch from Main Street East were the usual race courses. 
Regular tracks for racing came after the war, but what the men called scrub 
races, foot races and rifle shooting were of almost daily occurrence in town 
until stopped by law. 

"The Rubicon mills were at their best in 1809, the Dayton mills and 
Shaker mills having equally as much to do, as the country was being settled 
up, and for six years thereafter father had all that he could attend to, with 
the farm work to look after also. 

"From his prominence in celebrating of the Fourth of July in 1809, 
father's name without his seeking was placed on one of the tickets as candi- 



286 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

date for State Senator, to which office he did not aspire, and making no 
effort was defeated by Daniel C. Cooper. I think that Joseph H. Crane of 
Dayton, and David Purviance of the Mississinnewa were elected to the 
other branch of the legislature at that time. The election created as much 
excitement as we have now, the returns very slow coming in. 

" Father visited Kentucky that summer, his first since our move, and 
returning stopped at Cincinnati some time disposing of two boats of flour 
and grain, and several wagon loads, for he had large crops that season, and 
the mill took in considerable. The next spring he shipped meat, wool and 
flour by boat to the New Orleans market."* 

The Patterson family was not destined long to keep 
together. There had been one break in the circle by the 
marriage at Lexington of Rebecca to Dr. Goodlet, of Bards- 
town, Ky. The next wedding in the Rubicon farmhouse 
was that of Elizabeth Patterson, the third daughter, to 
James I. Nisbet. The Nisbets were old friends of the 
Pattersons in Lexington, and came to Dayton at about the 
same time. James Nisbet was born January twelfth, 1777. 
In prospecting for new lands in the Miami valley in 1799, 
the Nisbets separated from Colonel Patterson, and selected 
Twin Creek, in Preble County, as their home. After several 
such visits of inspection, the whole family moved in 1S03 or 
1804, and became the pioneers of that county. James Nis- 
bet was in active service as captain of a compan}' through 
the War of 1812. 

Catherine Patterson Brown, in her reminiscences, says: 

"Sister Elizabeth and James I. Nisbet were married Feb. twentieth, 
1806. I was but thirteen years old and we had a great time. Some of 
the Nisbets were over from Twin, the Pattersons froni Beaver, and a good 
company from town and surroundings, fiUing the house for the usual big 
dinner. The young people made up a party and mounted to escort them 
through town and accompanied them to the top of the hills five or six 
miles west. The party returned for supper and merry making until 
late. Rebecca and Elizabeth with their babies came home for Christ- 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 287 

mas in 1807, the last time the family circle was complete until after 
the war." * 

Another break occurred in the following year, when Mar- 
garet married Dr. Samuel Venable, son of Abraham Venable, 
of Walnut Hill, near Lexington, Ky. 

Ashley Brown says: 

"Dr. Samuel Venable, son of Abraham Venable, was born about 
1782, near Lexington, Kentucky, and grew up with the Patterson 
children, the famiUes being quite intimate. Samuel studied medicine 
and was practicing when, in 1806, he visited Rubicon Farm to 
attend the marriage of Elizabeth Patterson to James I. Nisbet. It 
was then that Dr. Venable and Margaret Patterson were be- 
trothed. Late in the summer of 1807 they were married in the Patter- 
son home. 

"The Venables started on a wedding tour on horseback through 
Cumberland Gap to Philadelphia, where Dr. Venable spent some time 
attending the medical college. On their way home he died at 
Brownsville, Penn., and was buried there. Their daughter Mary 
Ehza, was born June sixteenth, 1808, and was fifteen months old 
when her father died. Margaret returned to the Rubicon farm 
where she afterwards married on Jan. fifteenth, 1811, Rev. Dr. 
James Welsh, Presbyterian minister and practicing physician at Day- 
ton. They moved in 1817 from Dayton to Vevay, Indiana, where he 
died Nov. tenth, 1826. Margaret's third husband was Samuel Cald- 
well of Franklin, Ohio. They moved to Muscatine, Iowa, where she 
died at the home of her daughter, Mary Eliza Venable Whicher, on 
April twenty-first, 1857. (Mary Ehza and Stephen Whicher married in 
Vevay, Indiana, July twentieth, 1826.)" 

Perhaps the most charming of Robert Patterson's daugh- 
ters was Catherine, known in Lexington and Dayton always 
as "Kitty Patterson." She was fair haired and blue eyed, 
the true Patterson coloring, and her vivacity, good humor 

* The Nisbets lived all their lives at New Lexington and brought up a family of ten children. 
Dr. Robert Patterson Nisbet, their son, was well known in that vicinity for many years. Their 
daughter, Harriet Nisbet, born February nineteenth, 1820, being but seven years old at the time 
of the mother's death, made her home with her grandmother Patterson on Rubicon farm, and later, 
while living on the Rubicon with Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson Patterson, attended boarding school in 
Cincinnati for several years. She later lived at West Alexandria, but returned to Dayton, where 
she died March seventeenth, 189.3, and is buried at the Patterson family lot iu Woodland Cemetery. 



288 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



and fine qualities of head and heart made her an ancestor 
worth having.'-' 

Henry L. Brown writes: 

" In 1810 my mother, (Catherine Patterson,) visited relatives at George- 
town, Paris and Lexington, finishing with a two weeks' visit with Dr. and 
Mrs. Goodlct (Rebecca Patterson) at Bardstown, Kj'. She visited 
them all again several times in the few years immediately following the 
marriage of her sister Jane in 1815, driving from 
Daj^on with her three children, Eliza being the 
baby. Mr. Brown each time rode with them 
as far as Cincinnati or Covington. Before her 
fir.st visit in 1810 she and Henry Brown 
were engaged, and upon her return to 
Dayton in the fall, preparations began 
for the wedding. Mr. Brown was living 
jmmj^Kn ^. ^'^ ^^^ ^^'est side of Main street, first alley 

^rXQK^k^^^ north of Third, the first brick residence 

Vv '^^^^H Ti^^^ erected in Dayton, and furnished for his 

bride." f 

Since the recollections of Cath- 
erine Patterson form so large a 
part of this family history, a de- 
tailed account of her wedding, as 
in after years her son, Henry L. 
Brown, wrote it, will not be out 
of place. 

He savs : 




KITTY PATTERSON, AFTERWARDS 

CATHERINE PATTERSON BROWN, 

THEN MRS. ANDREW IRWIN, 

LASTLY MRS. H. G. PHILLIPS 



" Preparations for the wedding were 
by no means what would now be con- 
sidered elaborate. Kitty and her mother accompanied Colonel Pat- 
terson to Cincinnati to shop after her return from the Kentucky visit, and 
sewing was going on all winter. The wedding presents, with silver and 
china, were in the line of useful articles for the house,which had been largely 



* Kitty Patterson's characteristics, physical and mental, still hold good in the family strain. She 
has great and great-great-grand-daughters with pure blonde hair, clear color and high spirits, who are 
as well worth knowing as was their tore-mother. Some of them are "' Kates " too. — [Ed.] 

t Ashley Brown. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 2S9 

furnished in advance by the groom, who also had a well filled smokehouse 
and provisioned cellars and kitchen; his faithful old black servants 
ready to do the bidding of the ' Young Miss ' whom everyone liked. 

"Town and country friends were invited to the wedding, with others 
from Franklin, Waynesville, Xenia, Hamilton and Springfield, Mr. Brown's 
brother James and family being the only ones of his relatives attending. 
Mr. and Mrs. Nisbet were over from Twin Creek with venison and other 
game for the feast, and the house was lively with guests for several days, 
pleasant weather permitting open doors for all, including mill and farm men 
and families, to witness the ceremonies that made Henry Brown and Kitty 
Patterson man and wife. The company made merry over dinner tables 
standing all day, dishes and bowls replenished as needed, while dancing 
and toasting proceeded until the bridal party had mounted for a ride to 
the new home in Dayton, where the entire first floor, including porches, 
was reserved for dancing, the festivities attracting the attention of the com- 
munity. 

" Following a late supper the young ladies slipped away with the bride 
wliile the gaiety continued uninterrupted down stairs. Around a big log 
fire in the street at the court house corner the young men of the town assem- 
bled for the midnight beUing, probably not entirely unexpected by Mr. 
Brown, for soon in response to the racket he served buckets of hard cider, 
and was disturbed no more. Social entertainments occupied the week, 
and on Sunday, after church services in the court room, all enjoyed a big 
dinner at the Rubicon home; then within a few days, clothing, wedding 
gifts and other belongings were moved from the old to the new home in 
town." 

From another source we have this: 

"A strikingly handsome couple, Henry Brown and ffitty Patterson, 
standing in the large dining room of the Rubicon home for the marriage 
ceremony, tall and of about equal height, the bride a sweet, fair, happy 
faced, light haired girl of just eighteen, slight figure, graceful, pleasant 
mannered, her dress of Quaker gray silk. The groom, — straight as an 
Indian, square shouldered, robust build, dark long hair, full beard, a quiet 
man of dignified bearing." * 

Col. John Johnston, father of Mrs. Jefferson Patterson, who 
was for years associated with Mr. Brown in distribution of 
annuities to the Indians, spoke of him in high commendation — 



290 CONCERNING TIIK FOREFATHERS 

"For ability, tact, energy and integrity, a man of standing 
and influence in affairs of the community, probably financially 
the most well-to-do man in the country at time of his death." 
Describing his dress and appearance, Colonel Johnston 
said: "Mr. Brown's business kept him in the saddle much of 
the time for a long term of years, and for comfort and con- 
venience he wore ' short clothes, ' that is, himt ing shirt or 
jacket buttoned to the chin, knee breeches and buckles, cap, 
stockings, moccasins or leather shoes. For Sunday or other 
dress occasions, open jacket or cloth coat, doeskin vest, ruf- 
fled shirt, high collar and stock, brass buttons on coat and 
vest, buckles to fasten breeches and stockings at the knee, 
buckles on his shoes, beaver hat." This was the prevailing 
style of dress for busy men of that day. 

Two more weddings the old log farmhouse was to witness 
before the removal of the family to the brick house now stand- 
ing on Rubicon farm. On January fifteenth, 1811, Margaret 
Patterson Venable was married to Rev. James Welsh, pastor 
of the Firet Presbyterian Church. The Welshs later removed 
to Vevay, Indiana, where Dr. Welsh died, in 1826. Ashley 
Brown writes: 

"Jane Patterson (named for her granilinotlier Patterson) was born at 
Lexington, May twenty-fifth, 1795, and had a winter schoohng before the 
move to Ohio. She attended Dayton schools each winter, finishing in the 
old Academy, then located on St. Clair Street. Her sister Harriet and 
brothers Robert L. and Jefferson were also pupils, walking in every day 
with their dinner baskets. Jane, as a young lady, tall and heavier than 
any of the family, spent a great portion of the time with Catherine in town, 
especially when Mr. Brown was away. She made a long visit to her sister 
Rebecca in Kentucky, and to friends in Lexington and Georgetown, during 
the war, returning to the Rubicon in the spring of 1814, betrothed to John 
Steele of Fayette County, Ky. This visit and its happy conclusion ended 
in a large wedding, April twenty-fourth, 1815, which was attended by 
the usual festivities. Her father at that time shipping flour to Cincinnati, 
drove one of the teams, with Jane's clothing, gifts and goods as part of his 
load. From Cincinnati they were shipped as wagon freight to his farm 
on Steele's Run five miles northwest of Lexington." 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 291 

At about the time of which we are writing, John Patterson, 
a cousm of Robert's, who had come from Kentucky to Day- 
ton earher by a few months, joined the Shaker community. 
He owned land about eight miles east of Dayton, in what is 
now Greene County. This land he and his wife Phoebe 
deeded to the Shakers, and it became the site of the present 
Shaker village of Watervliet on the Xenia pike. The trans- 
fer of this land was made in 1811.* This John Patterson is 
the one alluded to in Chapter V as " Shaker John." 



We now come to the last services of Robert Patterson in 
a military cai^acity. The year 1812 saw the breaking out 
of the second war with Great Britain. As in former conflicts 
the military forces of America were weak and disunited and 
the power of command small. But after temporary reverses 
the Americans began to see success approachmg. Perry's 
victory on Lake Erie was a significant event and a sub- 
stantial gain. Ohio felt most keenly the effect of hostilities 
because of the large number of Indians within her borders. 
As has been told elsewhere, seven tribes of Indians were 
collected at Piqua, under the care of Col. John Johnston. 
These Indians, most of them friendly to Great Britain, 
were neighbors not to be welcomed, and it was thought 
necessary to build blockhouses in Dayton for the accom- 
modation of settlers in Preble, Darke and Miami Counties. 

In April, 1812, President Madison ordered out one thou- 
sand two hundred Ohio militia, for one year's service; and on 
the twenty-ninth of the month two commands reported at 
Dayton. This town was now practically a military camp; 
soldiers with the blue coats and yellow facings of the Conti- 
nental uniform filled the streets; pack mules and commissary 

* The Shaker Pattersons were bright, thrifty, interesting people. Phcebe Patterson in her old a^e 
used to visit Mrs. J. J. Patterson on Third Street with much mutual pleasure. The strongest friendship 
was kept up between the family branches. — [Ed.] 



292 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

wagons crowded the streets and Cooper Park was covered 
with rows of white tents. In all the excitement of prepara- 
tion there was no one more active than Colonel Patterson. 
He received his commission as Quartermaster and entered 
upon his duties at once. Then the milling business had to 
be given over into the hands of his sons. Grain and fodder 
were wanted for the horses and woolen clothing for the men, 
so both mills at Dayton were kept constantly bus}^ as well 
as the Clifton mill and one other at Shakertown, which he 
leased for a time. He also cured venison and pork to be deliv- 
ered at St. Mary's, Urbana or Fort Meigs. His oldest son, 
Francis, was sent to take charge of the mill on the Little Miami 
at Morrow. Many letters passed between father and son rela- 
tive to the management of this part of his business. Francis 
had the Clifton mill to operate, and aided his father in every 
possible way. 

Speaking of the activity which the war made for Dayton 
and of her father's and mother's part in it, Catherine Patter- 
son wrote: 

" Mother and I helped each other; we had to. Her work was enormous, 
and my own in town ahnost as exacting. Several times Elizabeth and 
children came over from Twin Creek for safety. Francis being then of 
age, was given charge of the Clifton farm and mill, and had good success 
for years. Father through the winter of 1811 and 1812 invested in grain 
and flour, and sold to advantage in the spring for delivery to Camp 
Meigs. It was not until after Hull's surrender that the rush came upon 
him. 

'' Gen. Harrison and lie were friends, and at JlcCuUom's tavern, father 
being among callers to pay respects to the General who was en route to 
St. Mar3''s to organize the scattered and retreating forces, the General 
said, 'Colonel Patterson, you are the man for the place,' meaning to 
give him charge of the for\\arding of supplies through the Indian country 
to the Arm}^ 

"l'\ather had supper with us that evening, excited over the consider- 
ation shown him by General Harrison, and not caring to conceal his 
pleasure over the i)rospect of being connected with the Army, although 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 293 

nearly sixty years old. At first he had charge of a brigade of pack horse 
trains, then, as the demands of the army increased, he forwarded quarter- 
master and commissary stores in lines of keel boats, by pack horses and in 
wagons and sleds drawn by horses, mules and oxen as far as the Maumee, 
and supphed Fort Greenville and other stations on that frontier."* 

And again she writes: 

" Mother practically ran the farm and mills for two years, and to fill the 
contracts was compelled to cut off the country trade. I heard my husband 
and others speak in wonder at the amount of work father and mother each 
accomplished in those times. While father was north in 1813 Francis put 
in a new run of granite buhrs for him in the Rubicon mill. Troops were 
almost continuously in camp along the big road near the stone mill, and at 
times hundreds of led or unbroken horses belonging to the army were in 
corral along Rubicon Creek. For several years after the war the Miami 
woods were full of wild horses, many mares with unbranded colts. 

" Father sold a large bill of lumber for Camp Meigs, his first war con- 
tract, and many others followed. Brother Francis had just celebrated his 
twenty-first birthday when the call for troops came and he was determined 
to come into town on Muster day, the fourteenth, and sign for service under 
Captain Perry. The companies were on Main street in front of our house 
for several hours recruiting, but Francis was not there, as father needed his 
help, and induced him not to go into the army. He did not complain, 
but we all knew how he felt in seeing his associates march off, while he 
was forced by circumstances to stay behind. Milling was to be so im- 
portant that father gave him charge of the Clifton Farm and mill, and for 
three years he worked hard, riding the country buying grain, and flour 
also when possible. Some of the Rubicon mill hands joined Captain Perry's 
company of Rangers, and we all helped mother fit them out. On the 
twenty-seventh, the company passed thi-ough on forced march to Loraine. 
Two days later Capt. John Robinson's company of foot soldiers from 
Middletown halted to make supper near the stone mill and were given all 
the meal and flour they wanted. In the evening this company camped on 
the common east of St. Clair street, now the pubUc square. Within the 
next few days other companies camped in father's fields and all the way 
between there and town. May sixth Governor Meigs arrived in Dayton and 
was honored with a salute of eighteen guns by citizens, using an iron can- 
non belonging to my husband, who had purchased it from the Indians, 
they having captured the cannon at 'St. Clair's Defeat' in 1791. This 

* H. L. B. papers. 



294 CONCERNINC. THE FOREFATHERS 

cannon served for saluting officers and men duruif; tlie war, and in later 
years in local jollifications until it hurst. 

"Col. Duncan McArthur while here organizing the First Ohio regi- 
ment was a guest at our house with other officers, father offering them 
camping ground which they accepted. Colonel McArthur and father had 
been companion scouts and Indian fighters, and their meeting at our house 
was a very happy event indeed. The regiment camped five days at the 
springs on Rubicon Creek east of the stone mill, and on the morning of the 
twenty -sixth of May, 1812, broke camp and marched to Camp Meigs on 
the north side of Mad River, two miles above Dayton. When the Ken- 
tucky troops passed through, father met many of his former associate 
officers and comrades." 

From correspondence between Colonel Patterson, Major 
Adams and Captain Nisbet, it is learned that the colonel 
with his pack train just escaped capture on the Auglaize 
River near to St. Mary's; that he was rescued by a sergeant 
and fifteen men sent from Fort Greenville by Major Adams. 
At another time, Captain Nisbet, with the Twin Creek Rifle- 
men mounted, escorted the colonel with a brigade of twenty 
"long line teams," each of a dozen horses tied together in 
single file, each horse carrying two hundred pounds of flour, 
to Urbana, where orders awaited Colonel Patterson to con- 
tinue with the trains to the Maumee. Captain Nisbet and 
company scouted over to Fort Greenville, thence south to 
his own station. Fort Black, to await news of Colonel Patter- 
son's return to Dayton. In November, Captain Nisbet es- 
corted him with winter supplies for Fort Black and Fort Green- 
ville. During the entire period of Colonel Patterson's service 
as pack-trainmaster. Major Adams and battalion, Captain 
Nisbet and company, and the Dayton companies stationed 
farther north, were charged with the duty of protecting his 
lines and assisting in movement of stores and trains, therefore 
were in constant communication by runners.* 

In the fall of 1813 Colonel Patterson advertised, as forage 

* This correspondence came later into tlte hands of Dr. Huggiiis, of West .\lexaudria, and was pre- 
served in the H. L. B. papers. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 295 

master, for fifty ox sleds and fifty horse sleds, to be hired or 
sold to the Government for transportation purposes. All 
goods or property for which he was responsible was kept in 
the Government storehouse on Main Street opposite Grimes's 
tavern. His price for sleds and teams was three dollars per 
day, with six barrels of flour at a trip ; he also gave vouchers 
for eight dollars per barrel for flour delivered by millers and 
contractors to Piqua and Urbana, and ten dollars if delivered 
at St. Mary's. Whisky was dehvered at St. Mary's at 
seventy-five cents per gallon. 

Maj. George Adams, Colonel Patterson and his sons-in-law, 
Captain Nisbet and Henry Brown, were closely associated in 
frontier affairs from the opening to the close of the War of 1812. 
Mr. Brown had three pack trains in charge of agents in the 
Indian country, two of them on the Wabash and one on the 
Maumee — the latter consisting of fifty horses returning from 
the Michigan peninsula with skins and furs traded from 
tribes of the Lake Superior region. In the summer of 1811, 
when an outbreak of the second war with England seemed 
certain, Mr. Brown, with a small party of men and a few 
Indians, had made a trip one hundred miles northwest to 
meet one of his trains in the Miami villages on the Missis- 
sinnewa branch of the Wabash. Here, learning of prepara- 
tions under Tecumseh and the Prophet for alliance with the 
British in war against the United States, Mr. Brown returned 
to Dayton and communicated the information to Governor 
Meigs. It was Mr. Brown's traders who, late in November, 
brought to Dayton the first news of General Harrison's vic- 
tory at Tippecanoe. Mr. Brown reduced his business in every 
way, and restricted the range of his winter traders from the 
villages of the Upper Scioto west to the St. Mary's and 
Auglaize — himself directing dealings with the Miamis, but 
not venturing far down the Mississinnewa streams. He 
stored the Government goods in his Dayton warehouse, and 



296 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

the next spring sold two hundred of his horses to the Gov- 
ernment, and blankets and other suitable supplies to the State, 
then branched out extensively for local trade at Dayton, Fort 
Greenville and Urbana.* 

Catherine Brown again writes: 

" My luisband's agents in charge of pack trains trading with the Indians 
down the Wabash were the first to send word to Dayton of the Tippecanoe 
Battle and General Harrison's victory. The news spread and soon the 
taverns were filled with men from all points between the rivers as far down 
as Cincinnati, and we had war talk followed by war. As it seems to me 
now, over forty years later, Dayton was a camp of soldiers from Mad River 
to father's mills all that time, for I know he had very little use of his fields 
between the creek and town. Mexican war times were nothing to compare 
with it. We entertained State officers and military officers at our home 
that winter, then bj^ April the war excitement took possession and the town 
continued in that condition." 

Her daughter, Mrs. Charles Anderson, of Kuttawa, Ky., 
remembered the house full to overflowing of officers and men 
drying their wet clothes by the fire. She said that her grand- 
mother (Mrs. Elizabeth Lindsay Patterson) then contracted 
permanent rheumatism from the dampness and steam of the 
garments hanging all about in the rooms. This remained 
with her to the end of her years. 

With all Mrs. Patterson's duties as mother of a large family 
and as manager of her husband's business in his absence, she 
still found time for church work which, during the War of 
1812, developed into practical public duty. She had been 
a steady attendant at church all her fife, and now was pre- 
pared to turn lip service into hand service for the benefit 
of her country. Mrs. Brown writes : 

"The Dayton Female Charitable and Bible Society was organized about 
this time.t Their work really began one morning early in October, 1812, 



* H. L. B. papers. 

t For other work of these women, see page 334. Montgomery County History, piibHshed by Beers 
in 1883. As a result of their association in work through the war, they met at Mrs. Brown's house April 
twelfth, 1815, and formally organized the Bible Society by election of her mother to be president, 
and her sister Margaret, wife of Rev. James Welsh, corresponding secretary. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 



297 



when the men and women of the town were summoned by court-house 
bell alarm to hear this appeal : 

" Headquarters St. Mary's, 

" Twenty-ninth September, 1812. 
"General Harrison presents his compliments to the ladies of Dayton and 
its vicinity, and solicits their assistance in making shirts for their brave de- 
fenders, who compose his army; many of whom are almost destitute of 
that article, so necessary to their health and comfort. The materials will 




THE OLD RUBICON GRIST MILL KNOWN BY PATTERSON FAMILY AS THE 

STONE MILL, BUILT AFTER DESTRUCTION OF LOG XIILL 

WHICH WAS BURNED OCT. SEVENTH, 1815 

be furnished by the Quarter Master; and the General expects that this op- 
portunity for the display of female patriotism and industry will be eagerly 
embraced by his fair countrywomen." 

(Signed) William H. Harrison. 

Mrs. Brown says : 

" My husband had two large warehouses, one on Third street, the other 
in the rear, both built of logs, on ground now occupied by the west wing of 
the Philhps House, stored with Government goods for distribution by my 



298 CONCERNING THK FOREFATHERS 

husband as annuities among the Indians, now withheld by order of the 
Government Agent, Col. John Johnston, of tapper Piqua, on account of the 
border troubles. 

" Although mother was not in the morning meeting she was named head 
of the ladies to systematize the work, and she gave a receipt to my husband 
as a voucher for the calico for shirts, he being the custodian. Couriers were 
sent to the Van Cleve, Bradford and Shaker neighborhood, and up and 
down the rivers and Wolf Creek for the ladies to come for meetings that 
afternoon in the court house room and academy. Mother, Mrs. 
James Hanna and Mrs. David Reid cut the patterns, the men brought 
the goods, and for days we were busy every hour. A lot of cut goods 
was sent to the ladies of Centerville neighborhood, and more to Cousins 
Eunice and Jane for the Shakers. By the middle of the month we had 
forwarded eighteen hundred shirts to the Quartermaster at St. Mary's, 
and mother has the receipt with General Harrison's thanks to the ladies 
of Dayton. We made more shirts, sufficient for the Dayton companies 
at Greenville, Loraine and St. Mary's, and sent what blankets and 
clothing they needed. 

" We supplied needy families with food and clothing, knit and sewed 
for the soldiers and hospitals all the time, mother being at the head altho 
she had so much to do at home." 

As a day of thanksgiving for the peace treaty with Great 
Britain, Thursday, April eighth, 1815, was set apart by 
proclamation of President James Madison, and it was gen- 
erall}' observed in the Miami Valley, especially at Dayton 
and Germantown, in holiday religious ser\'ices and suspension 
of business. 

On the Rubicon farm, fields and roads had l^een straight- 
ened up, fences burned by the soldiers rebuilt, and that 
year Colonel Patterson paid tax on thirty horses, forty cattle 
and fifty hogs. But calamity was to follow this flood-tide of 
prosperity. On October seventh, 1815, the Rubicon mills 
being in full operation, the grist-mill, fulling mill and two 
carding-machines were destroyed by fire starting in the 
carding-room. Besides the heavy loss to Colonel Patterson, 
patrons lost heavily in cloth and wool. Little could be 
saved. Dayton people were out in crowds to view the 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 



299 



smoking ruins. This disaster might well have discouraged 
a man of sixty who had already been through so many 
financial reverses. That he recovered from it is shown by an 
advertisement in the Watchman of October sixteenth, the 
next year : 

Notice. 

"The subscribers' fulling mill two miles below Dayton on the State road 
is now in complete operation where fulling, dyeing, &c. will be carried on 
with neatness and dispatch. For the accommodation of distant customers 
cloth will be received at Jas. I. Nisbet's at New Lexington, H. Brown's in 
Dayton and at my mill on the Little Miami and returned to said places with 
due order when finished — hoping that I may be fully able to meet the wishes 
of my friends and customers I remain with due submission," 

(Signed) R. Patterson. 
"Oct. sixteenth, 1S17." 

This new mill was 
the "old stone mill," 
well known as a land- 
mark on the Brown 
Street road where the 
Rubicon crosses it, and 
was destroyed some 
years ago. 

After the fire Colonel 
Patterson traded off 
most of his team horses 
for cheap yearlings and 
two-year-old cattle, re- 
ceiving ten to twelve head for each horse, and later sold two 
hundred and eighty young cattle for cash to drivers for the 
Eastern market. In " Recollections of the Last Ten Years in 
the IMississii^pi Valley," the Rev. Timothy Flint says: "On a 
journey west in November, 1815, I met a drove of one thou- 
sand cattle and hogs on the Alleghany Mountains, which 
were of an unnatural shagginess and roughness like wolves. 




Tin: LAWN AT 

RUBICON FARM LOOKING FROM HOMESTEAD 



300 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

and the drovers from Mad River were as untamed and wild 
in their looks as Crusoe's man Friday." There being a de- 
mand for fat cattle after the war, Colonel Patterson pastured 
large herds and fattened droves of hogs, which business he 
discontinued after the mills had been rebuilt with money 
borrowed for the purpose from his son-in-law, Henry 
Brown. 

The next winter (1816) Colonel Patterson built a large brick 
house,* the present " Rubicon," on the rise of land between the 
Main Street road and the county road (now Brown Street), in 
the midst of a beautiful grove containing speci- 
mens of every tree indigenous to Montgomery 
County. Here the Pattersons kept literal 
open house to all friends, especially Ken- 
tucky friends, who, coming to prospect 
for land, sometmies stayed two or three 
weeks at a time. Upon their removal 
into this, the last home of the Pattersons, 
a more luxurious though not a whit less 
laborious life began. The house was com- 
modious and comfortable, but a large family 
still filled it in spite of the many weddings, 
and guests came and went as the}' had 

MRS. CHAS. ANDERSON, 1 • il T • j. 1 

DAUGHTER OF CATHERINE ^^^He ui the Lexuigtou homc. 
PATTERSON BROWN Mrs. Browu says : 

'■'Fourth of Jiily and Thanksgiving were holidays from as early as 1 
can remember, but Thanksg-iving was not made an occasion for feasting 
until long after we came to Ohio, although we had gatherings at home 
after attending services in the meeting-house. Christmas was the time 
for visits and family dinners, an occasion for special festivities for the 
children. While father was quite often away on business, he was hap- 
piest at home and, like mother, enjoyed a houseful of company. His 
health continued remarkably good, seemingly unaffected by the years of 
hardship and exposure, tho suffering more or less discomfort from the 




' H, L. B. papers: " Father built the brick house soon after Jane's marriage.' 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 301 

tomahawk wounds. Real distress came towards the close of life, but up 
to his seventy-second year he managed the mills and farms, brother Fran- 
cis having charge of the Greene County land and mill during and after 
the war of 1812. 

"Mother enjoyed perfect health, escaping even the ailments usual to 
age. I never knew her to be sick. A Christian woman, kind, considerate, 
and generous in all things ; an early riser herself, she had everybody 
stirring at sun up, busy and untiring, a splendid manager, in no way severe. 
She had all help desired in the house, and with patience and tact directed 
all, there being little interruption to farm work in seasons of father's 
absence in the army. 

"Mother had no trouble getting colored help from among camp fol- 
lowers, and for over a year had five families of blacks in huts and cabins. 
We all had brief, pleasant meetings with Kentucky friends passing in the 
regiment, and my husband was zealous with myself in entertaining them, 
especially hospitable to the sick and wounded returning from the battles." 

Mrs. Charles Anderson, of Kuttawa, Ky., remembered 
her sweetness and quiet of her grandmother's character, as well 
as her unth'ing vigor of body and devotion to work. She said: 
"I never knew my grandmother to be cross or angry. Every 
one about the farm came to her for orders and obeyed them 
without question." 

Her daughter, Miss Kitty Anderson, writes : 

" Like an old silhouette filled in with tenderest tints her picture stands 
but in my mind against the dark background of black walnut woodwork 
in her room, as she sat in her sweet motherliness and wise government 
of her household, as her family came and went around the great blazing 
heaps in the broad fire-places. 

" My mother spent weeks of her little girlhood at the old place, and I 
can see her now standing beside a low table, a dainty little maid with 
apple cheeks and bright blue eyes reading the Bible aloud to her old grand- 
mother, or running down to the old spring, or loitering beside the spring 
branch among the ancient forest trees where generations have come and 
gone in simple, joyous freedom." 

Mrs. Anderson preserved two mind pictures of the couple 
who were at this time nearing the last years of life : one of the 



302 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

slight figure of Elizabeth Patterson in a Shaker bonnet and 
print skirt riding out of the east gate of the farm to the "big 
road," on a pillion behind her husband. iVnother was of 
Robert Patterson himself, in the uniform of the War of 1812, 
walking at a slow pace over the farm, his back slightly bent, 
and holding his lame arm crooked behind him against the 
wound he had received nearly fifty years before from a savage's 
tomahawk. This little glimpse explains an apparent incon- 
sistency on his tombstone.* Robert Patterson did die of a 
wound fifty years old. 

Henry Stoddard wrote of him: 

"Although still strong and active in farm and business management, 
Colonel Patterson suffered very much from rheumatism, and from his 
wound; he became quite feeble at times, not often leaving the farm in 
1826. He occasionally attended preaching in Dayton, and on the Fourth 
of July walked over to the 'Medical Spring' on the Rubicon to witness 
the arrival of the picnic cavalcade from Dayton for celebration of the 
jubilee of the United States, commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of 
the Declaration of Independence. By reason of his wounded right arm, 
he habitually carried the cane with the left hand, and thus walked to the 
mills or to some part of the farm every day with his sons, Robert L. and 
Jefferson, who were really in charge after the fall of 1825, and more and 
more came into direction of daily work and affairs. 

"The son, Francis Patterson, at the age of twenty-six, having been for 
two j'ears active in the military service, was in the spring of 1817 commis- 
sioned by Governor Thomas Worthington to be adjutant of the regiment 
formed of militia companies of Preble, Montgomery and Greene Counties, 
three of these companies being in and around Dayton, armed with holsters 
and flint lock muskets, relics of the War. Maj.-Gen. Joseph Layton com- 
manded the division, to which the Montgomery Brigade, Dayton regiment, 
were attached. Adjutant Patterson's grey jeans uniform and cocked hat 
were trimmed in scarlet, decorated with brass buttons, cavalry saber, 
boots and spurs, and his mount was a dapple bay Kentucky bred saddler. 
His first muster was on the Fourth of July, 1817, the next on Sept. tenth." 

On January twentieth, 1817, the State legislature author- 
ized the construction of the red bridge over the Miami River 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 303 

at Bridge Street, the first bridge to cross the Miami at Dayton. 
It was a covered toll-bridge, the toll-house a two-story frame 
at the west end, the incorporators of the company being 
Robert Patterson, Joseph Peirce, David Reid, H. G. Phillips, 
James Steele, George S. Houston, William George and William 
King. The bridge was opened for travel in January, 1819. 
Ashley Brown writes : 

"It was shortly after the opening of this bridge that Capt. and Mrs. 
Nisbet visited the Rubicon, and returning to Twin Creek took Colonel and 
Mrs. Patterson with them, the intention of the two men being to ride over 
to Greenville Creek to call upon Maj. George Adams; but this project 
they abandoned in order to enjoy several days' hunting, as deer had been 
plentiful. At this time, Colonel Patterson being past sixty-six years old, he 
killed a buck, the last shot he ever had at a deer. Being very much elated 
over his success, Colonel Patterson had the skin tanned for Mrs. Nisbet, 
and said that as he was in need of a cane, he would make one, using the prong 
of the horns for a handle. He promised that the cane should some clay 
be given Captain Nisbet for his namesake, Patterson Nisbet, who was then 
only twelve years old. This promise Colonel Patterson was not allowed 
to forget, and after his death the cane was claimed by Dr. Patterson Nisbet 
who used it for many years."* 

Local trade at that time took the entire flour output of the 
stone mill, which was limited by the fact that the water supply 
of Rubicon Creek was drawn only from the hillsides of that im- 
mediate locality. To increase business, after 1818, Colonel 
Patterson bought flour and grain for more regular supply to 
the market through the months that his mill might be frozen 
up, and through periods of low water and drought; for ^ ^^ 
Rubicon would at times in the summer be entirely 
dry, and often in winter frozen solid for its entire 
length. Through the period of hard times in the 
West, beginning m 1820 and continuing for three 
years, the withdrawal of gold and silver from circula- 
tion did not affect Colonel Patterson's milling trade, 

* The horn handle of the cane is now in the possession of Emily B. Brown. 



304 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

since there was always a good market in Cincinnati for all that 
he could ship. The Dayton bank having suspended specie 
payment, he still had the advantage of the indorsement of 
Cincinnati firms in buying and storing at Livingston on the 
Miami, and at Greenville Falls and Dayton, the establishment 
of a business in which he hoped his sons would become in- 
terested and succeed him. 

"Colonel Patterson's standing in business and general ac- 
quaintance over this region, his active habit and sterling integ- 
rity," said Col. John Johnston, "brought him all the grain and 
mill products he cared to handle; and this business success 
continued under the management of his sons after his death, 
and until after the death of Mrs. Patterson, in the fall of 1833. 
I knew Colonel Patterson well during the long term of m}' serv- 
ice with the government, and never at any time heard a word 
of criticism of his character as a citizen or public servant. Hon- 
est}^ and energy gave him great influence in the Miami Valley 
the same as in Kentucky. I had seen him frequently during 
the war with Great Britain, for he was in the saddle constantly 
pushing arm}' supplies north, and it was no surprise to meet 
him anywhere. Being a distinguished soldier himself, he was 
a great admirer of General Harrison's, and often expressed 
anxiety lest by delay of the pack trains he might retard move- 
ments of the army. I met Colonel Patterson at all points, and 
in some risky places between the Sandusky and Wabash 
Rivers, but no peril ever caused him to halt or hesitate. Of 
course I stopped here at the Rubicon after he erected and 
occupied this house. I had expected to attend the marriage 
of his daughter Harriet to Mr. Stoddard, but public business 
prevented." 

Ashle}' Brown writes : 

"Colonel Patterson's unwavering faith in the development of Dayton 
as a great central shipping point was the subject of conversation at a 
family dinner given by his son, Jefferson, and wife, the day of the marriage 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 305 

of George W. Houk and Eliza P. Thruston. Col. John Johnston, 
Jefferson Patterson, Henry L. Brown and others, also several ladies and 
a score of children, were at the table; for that was the style of company 
that Mr. and Mrs. Patterson were accustomed so generously to entertain 
and heartily enjoy on every possible opportunity. The gentlemen knew 
of and referred to Colonel Patterson's opinion that the community should 
encourage improvement of the Great Miami for navigation. Wagon rates 
had been greatly reduced so that he was paying but fifty cents per barrel 
on flour hauled to Cincinnati, but that was too high to meet competition 
of mills nearer that market. He believed water transportation would cut 
freight down to one-tenth that rate. He therefore took every occasion 
to speak and act in favor of Congressional action declaring the Miami 
River to be a navigable stream to be improved by the government. From 
the year 1821 until his death he was one of the most active supporters 
of the proposition to connect the Ohio and the Lake by canal, and his 
satisfaction grew with the development of the project finally determined 
upon, which became a certainty after surveys had shown its feasibility, 
and that the best and shortest route from Cincinnati was through Dayton 
from the lowest summit half way to Toledo. The river bend at the bluffs 
below Dayton located the canal line through Rubicon farm, which Colonel 
Patterson encouraged in every possible way, and he died knowing that 
would be the line, and often expressing gratification that his sons would 
be able to ship direct from Rubicon mills into the heart of the business 
district of Cincinnati, or without breaking cargo, pass directly into the 
Ohio River for more distant points." 

No enterprise created more interest in the Miami Valley in 
the early thirties and forties than the building of this canal. 
It was the dream of the later years of Robert Patterson's life, 
and many were the trips he made in spirit between Cincinnati 
and Dayton. Full accounts of its history may be found in 
local annals.* We are interested in it only so far as it en- 
tered into the lives of the Patterson family. The route as 
surveyed led through Robert Patterson's land and not far 
from the farm residence. " Work of the surveyors in locat- 
ing the canal line from Dayton south interested father very 
much," said Jefferson Patterson; "then when construction 

* See "Early Dayton," by Robert W. and Mary Davies Steele. 




306 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

contracts were let, his own plans for accommodating the 
milling business to this new transportation engaged his atten- 
tion, for he saw every advantage in it, not only for the Rubi- 
con mills, but for Dayton as a business center. "WTien the 
weather permitted he took occasion to meet prominent men 
connected with canal construction. Father made ever3-thing 
pleasant for the surveyors and contractors, and accommo- 
dated them with horses and whatever ihey needed from the 
mills." 

Construction of the canal began in June, 1827, and exca- 
vation was in progress through Colonel Patterson's farm at 
the time of his death. He did not live to see the canal in 
operation. The next year a dam was put in at the Bluffs, 
and a pleasure packet, the "Alpha," made trips back and 
forth from Dayton. 

The first canal-boat from Cincinnati to Dayton arrived in 
January, 1829, nearly two years after the death of the warrior 
grandfather. The other grandfather, John Johnston, was 
alread}' a promoter and trustee of the canal company. We 
find him congratulating his daughter Julia on the approaching 
completion of the canal, when the home visits need no longer 
be made in carriages or sleighs through the woods. The ex- 
tension of the Miami Canal north of Dayton occurred in 1841. 

The Patterson relationship at this time was as follows: 
Francis (unmarried) was farming and trading; Catherine and 
Mr. BrowTi lived in Dayton; Dr. and Mrs. Goodlet at Bards- 
town, Ky. ; Mr. and Mrs. John Steele on Steele's Run, six' 
miles from Lexington, Ky. ; Rev. James Welsh and wife at 
Vevay, Ind. ; Captain and Mrs. Nisbet at New Lexington on 
Twin Creek, Preble County, Ohio; Robert L. and Harriet at 
home. 

In 1820, Harriet, after visiting Mrs. Steele and Mrs. Good- 
let in Kentucky, had returned for the family celebration of 
Robert L.'s twenty-first birthday anniversary. The date was 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 307 

Saturday, May twenty-seventh, and the festivities continued 
over Sunday. Several of Robert's town friends having been 
invited for dinner, the young people finished the afternoon at 
the springs above the stone mill, a popular resort for pleasure 
parties and evening outings. There were bath-houses, a re- 
freshment stand, swings, canoes on the mill pond; making 
the springs a meeting-point for horseback parties, picnickers, 
political gatherings and Fourth of July celebrations on Colonel 
Patterson's land. Two large springs were located in the woods 
south of these chalybeate springs, and a mile away in the hills 
was the big Wead Spring. The Patterson brothers and sisters 
and the children made the home lively by many such picnics 
and reunions. 

The first wedding in the new Rubicon home was that of 
Harriet to Henry Stoddard, a young lawj^er of Dayton. The 
ceremony took place in the parlor at the new home on Decem- 
ber fourth, 1821. Dinner was served within doors, but the 
guests danced around a big log fire in the woods near the 
spring-house. Captain and Mrs. Nisbet and daughter Harriet, 
aged nearly two years, and son Patterson, aged fourteen, 
Henry and Mrs. Brown and three children were in the com- 
pany. The happiness of the young couple was of short dura- 
tion, for on October first of the next year the young wife 
died, leaving a son, Asa P. Stoddard, only a few days old.* 
This loss was a great grief to Robert and Elizabeth Patter- 
son. 

"Funeral services were held in the brick Presbyterian Meeting House, 
and the remains carried on the bier thence south on Ludlow, followed by 
the bereaved husband and his sister. Colonel and Mrs. Patterson and their 
three sons, Mr. and Mjs. Henry Brown and three children. Captain Nisbet 
and children, Patterson and Mary, the Pattersons from Beaver, and a long 
line of citizens marching two by two. Buried in the Fifth street grave- 
yard, where during that year forty-seven other burials occurred." f 



* Asa Stoddard died at this time of writing, January, 1902. 
t H. L. B. papers. 



308 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



A few months after Harriet's wedding, Jefferson Patterson 
came of age. The event was celebrated on Sunday, with a fam- 
ily dinner, although Monday, May twenty-seventh, was the 




THE OLD COPPER KETTLE USED AT RUBICON FARM 



real birthday (1822). The chief dish was a venison stew, the 
saddle of a fawn captured by Francis on a camping and 
hunting trip in the North, and brought home and killed for 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 309 

this occasion. Henry Brown and family, and Mr. and Mrs. 
Stoddard were out for dinner, and next day Mr. Brown sent 
a cask of ale for Jefferson and friends. 

Jefferson, the last of Colonel Patterson's children, and the 
one to whom came the family home, was bom, as we know, in 
the stone farmhouse at Lexington, Ky., the morning of May 
twenty -seventh, 1801, the year of the death of his grandfather, 
Francis Patterson, and was three and one-half years old when 
the family moved to the Rubicon farm in the fall of 1804-. 

Ashley Brown writes: 

"Jefferson, the worthy son of a worthy father, is remembered as an 
honorable man in every condition of his life; attentive and energetic in 
business, enjoying the faithful discharge of duties; observant in commer- 
cial and political affairs; courteous and just, doing a kind turn when possi- 
ble; socially inclined, his first and constant aim the comfort and happiness 
of his family; no speculation in his make up, satisfied in managing his 
own business affairs. 

"He was given a good business education, early acquiring regular 
commercial habits through responsibilities that came as a consequence 
of the absence of his father during the war of 1812. At eleven he al- 
ready had farm work to do, the care of live stock and errands for the 
farm, but none of these duties was allowed to interfere with school and 
studies. Mrs. Patterson depended much upon him, and when her hus- 
band was away, Jefferson remained at home with his brother, Robert L., 
as a protection against the straggling soldiers who were apt during these 
exciting times to make daily calls. This mingling with teamsters and 
soldiers in the camp proved a stern but valuable education for the boys, 
and at the age of sixteen Jefferson was already a man in mind and stature, 
thoughtful and industrious, a source of comfort and pride to father and 
mother. Jefferson and his sister Harriet and brother Robert regularly 
attended the first Sunday-school established in Dayton in 1817, which, 
with the teachings and example at home, gave steady habit and sturdy 
character as he broadened with opportunities into manhood." 

Mrs. Catherine Patterson Brown writes: 

"Everybody about the farm had daily duties and work, but father's 
guiding principle in directing the children was that ' aU work and no play 



310 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

make Jack a dull boj-.' Love for fine horses and cattle was bred into the 
Patterson boys, and to thcni the care and handling of live stock was a 
pleasant task. Jefferson's first mount was an Indian pony given him by 
Mr. Brown and myself. Riding and racing with other boys was his 
sport; bare backed or with sheepskin saddle he was ready for a dash at 
any time." 

Ashley Brown writes: 

"The practice of the Patterson boys, in riding and breaking young 
horses on the mile of almost level roatl from the stone mill north 
into town, led to that being one of the two favorite pleasure and 
racing courfses over which the boys had many hotly contested races 
with town horses. In April, 1815, the corporation council forbade by 
ordinance further racing on Dayton streets, alleys or commons, with 
fine of fifty cents to five dollars for each offence. This stopped racing 
on Main Street at Fifth, the corporation line. After 1820 a good mile 
track was estabhshed on Mad River, for running horses only, one to three 
miles and repeat. Germantown had a mile track for a three days' meeting 
in October, 1823, and again the next year. Three days racing on the 
Mad River track in October, 1825, drew large crowds to Dayton, and 
meetings were held each fall until Jefferson Patterson leased the ground, 
now occupied by the Cash Register Works, to David Buchanan for a race 
track. 

"Encouraged in all sports by his father, he was one of the liveliest 
of the young fellows, but did not attain the skill of the Colonel with the 
rifle or in woodcraft. He held his own in contests with his fellows, and 
this gave him good footing in a social way, and it was in social gatherings 
that Jefferson Patterson thoroughly enjoyed liimself, as can be testified 
by scores of his friends who are yet living. 

"We have learned in these sketches that in the early days horseback 
riding was universal. Each of Colonel Patterson's children had a well 
trained saddle or driving horse. The Rubicon Stable of Kentucky thor- 
oughbreds could always be depended upon to furnish conveyances for 
picnics and pleasure drives. In winter there was the 'prize jmuper' with 
double team, or the big yellow sleigh that hekl a dozen and was made 
comfortable with buffalo robes and bearskins, trophies of the old Colonel's 
hunting prowess in Kentucky. 

"There had been competitive parades and drills for prizes in the 
State mihtia, bringing the Dayton and township companies to a high 
state of efficiency and fine appearance in showy uniforms, the l^rigade 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 311 

being in command of the new Dayton postmaster, Gen. William M. Smith. 
The uniforms of Capt. James M. Grimes's Company consisted of yellow 
cap and roundabout (jacket), green collar and cuffs, white trousers, red 
leggins. Captain Dodd's Company wore white roundabout and trousers 
trimmed with black cord, citizen's hat with red feather. Captain 
Dixon's riflemen, blue cloth roundabouts and trousers trimmed with 
white cord, black cockade hats. Captain Windbrenner's Company, 
grey cloth coats and trousers trimmed with black cord, stiff hats. 

"Colonel Patterson had a conspicuous part in the celebration of the 
Fourth of July, 1822, all work on the farm and in the mills being sus- 
pended to enable everybody to participate in the town demonstration 
which began at daybreak with the ringing of bells and firing of cannon, 
as Old Glory was run to the peak of the town flag staff. A procession 
of societies, officials and citizens paraded the streets and marched 
to the First Presbyterian Church, headed by the military companies in 
their new uniforms as described above. Following the soldiers and at head 
of the column of societies and citizens with drum corps came the color 
bearers with flag and cap of liberty, attended by the guard of honor, four 
heroes of the Revolution, Colonel Patterson, Simeon Broadwell, Richard 
Bacon and Judge Isaac Spinning. The church room, yard, walks and 
corner were filled with the crowd. Judge Crane presided at the dinner 
in Squire's Tavern, the four Revolutionary soldiers as guests of honor 
were seated on his right and left, Judge Steele and H. G. Phillips, vice 
president. Colonel Patterson and his three veteran comrades had pre- 
pared an address which was read to the large company, ending with this 
toast: 'The heroes of the Revolution who fell to secure the blessings of 
this day to us. May their children so maintain them that America may 
be a Republic of Christians on the last day of time.' " 

Robert W. Steele, in a letter to Ashley Brown, July, 1877, 
says: 

" Colonel Patterson had been one of the most generous contributors, 
although a Presbyterian, in encouragement of every religious movement, 
assisting the Shakers and Methodists as well as his own sect. After 
organization of the Presbyterian congregation and Methodist class on a 
permanent basis, there being a general desire for a collection of music 
that might be used in all religious gatherings, a conference of ministers 
and laymen was held at Colonel Patterson's farm residence to consider the 
matter. This meeting by vote requested Rev. John Thomson, in con- 



312 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

junction with David Purviance, Samuel Wosterfield, William Snodgrass, 
and William McClure, to collect and arrange the hymns, and prepare for 
the press a book to be called the Christian Hymn Book, containing two 
hundred and fifty hymns, printed in good type, on good paper, well bound, 
and to sell at not to exceed seventy-five cents per copy. This, the first book 
published in Dayton, was printed at Isaac G. Burnet's Ohio Centinel office, 
subscriptions for the hymn book received by William McClure. Both 
Colonel and Mrs. Patterson were active in the interest of their own congre- 
gation, the First Presbyterian, and among the most zealous workers and 
liberal contributors for the first brick meeting house, N. W. corner of 
Ludlow and Second streets. Mrs. Patterson was also at that time Pres- 
ident of the County Female Bible Society." 

As has been stated, Robert Patterson was a profoundly re- 
ligious man. We have it from Mrs. Brown that her father 
"preached on the Xew Light religion at Thompson's, between 
Cincinnati and Dayton." Both the Patterson grandfathers 
were broad-minded and tolerant in their religion. John John- 
ston, an EpiscopaUan, entertained Catholic priests, while Rob- 
ert Patterson, a stanch Presbyterian, helped Shakers and 
Methodists as well. 

But Robert Patterson's religion did not interfere with his 
holding slaves in Kentucky and bringing them to Daj'ton after- 
ward. It was considered a relation sanctioned by Biblical 
law. However, Northern sentiment was even at that early day 
against it, and Robert Patterson was wise enough and humane 
enough to conform. Reference is made in the family papers 
to the Patterson servants brought from Kentucky in 1804. 
Jane Patterson Steele writes : 

" It was my father's custom, as it was of the other Kentuckians of 
the time visiting Ohio to be accompanied by their blacks undisturbed. 
But when in 1804 the Pattersons moved up with a number of these serv- 
ants, the word soon got around that they were to be held as slaves, and 
this created a feeling that for several years caused social and pohtical 
annoyances. 

" Bill, a Guinea negro aged forty, valued in Kentucky at eight hun- 
dred dollars for skill as a mill hand, arrived in July, 1804, with the first 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 313 

load of Patterson furniture, etc., to learn the run of things about the 
Rubicon mills. Being unaccustomed to association with whites he built 
himself a small hut in the woods up the creek, and worked every day at 
the grist mill until the family moved. Town folks and others seemed to 
seek every opportunity to talk Bill into freedom, and assuming the name 
of William Patterson he registered as a free black man in the county 
record of ' Black and Mulatto Persons.' Bill continued working at the 
Rubicon mills until tempted to follow the army in the War of 1812. 

"One of my mother's house servants named Sally was induced to 
try other service, and the county record of Dec. twenty-fourth, 1804, 
has this entry: 'Sarah Ball, a negro woman aged thirty years, (by her 
indenture from Andrew Wood to Colonel Patterson, assigned by said 
Patterson to James Brown, by him to Richard Meredith, by him to David 
Stout, and by him to the said Sarah 'Ball for the consideration therein 
mentioned,) enters her name of record.'" 

Harriet Nisbet wrote:* 

"My uncle William Lindsay who, with teams and drivers, had as- 
sisted in moving the family, returned to Kentucky, leaving one of the 
teams and driver 'Moses' at the Rubicon. Moses, with two of Colonel 
Patterson's choppers in the clearing, concluded during the winter to 
strike out for themselves, and some of the Dayton people were favorable. 
Mr. Lindsay being notified came from Kentucky, and all on horses by 
night left the Rubicon with Moses and others, passed around Oxford to 
the Ohio River, and below North Bend crossed into Kentucky." 

Habeas corpus proceedings had been instituted at Dayton. 
The petition and answer, as taken from the docket of the Mag- 
istrate, Squire Folkerth, whose land and cabin adjoined Colo- 
nel Patterson's on the east line along the Waynesville road, will 
be found in the Appendix. 

These proceedings created the greatest excitement, lead- 
ing the few negroes to register as freemen. Colonel Pat- 
terson's response to a writ on behalf of two other blacks, 
Ned and Luce, man and wife, was an admission that he 
had owned them in Kentucky and still had control of 
them. The courts, however, directed that Edward and Lucy 

* H. L. B. papers. 



314 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

be liberated. This was the last of the cases in which Colonel 
Patterson was interested, but similar contests over negroes 
held as slaves continued in the courts of western Ohio, Indiana 
and Michigan for several years. Colonel Patterson gave free- 
dom to others of his blacks, including the aged members of the 




two famiUes, and they continued as servants at the Rubicon as 
long as they lived, and all were buried in the graveyard on Fifth 
Street in Dayton. 

In the winter of 1822-23 Colonel Patterson, with his son-in- 
law, Henry Brown, and others, began a revival of the question 
of building a turnpike to Cincinnati. There were then fifty 
flour-mills along the Miami River above Franklin, and a hun- 
dred distilleries, besides large pork-packing establishments, 
doing an aggregate business that demanded better traffic 
facilities. But Robert Patterson had passed the three-score- 
year-and-ten limit, and his initiative, perhaps also his cour- 
age, was deserting him; and when, on Ma}^ nineteenth, 1823, 
Mr. Brown suddenly sickened and died, it took the great prop 
from the undertaking, and the building of the Cincinnati turn- 
pike was left to younger heads and hands. 

The following notice, printed upon slips of paper, was dis- 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 



315 



tributed through the town and country, according to the early- 
day custom : 

"Departed this life at two o'clock P.M., Monday, May nineteenth, 
1823, after a long and painful illness, Henry Brown, Esq., of this place. 
The citizens generally are invited to attend the funeral this evening at 




ROBERT Patterson's 

TOMB IN WOODLAND CEMETERY 
DAYTON, OHIO 



INSCRIPTION ON TOMB 

To the memory of 

Col. Robert Patterson 

who died 

Nov. 9, 1827 

In the 75th year of his age in consequence of a wound received 

by a shot from an Indian when escaping 

capture in Oct., 1776 



316 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

four o'clock. Mr. Brown was a native of Lexington, Va., one of the 
early settlers of this place, and a man esteemed for his integrity in busi- 
ness. He has left an amiable wife and four children to lament the loss 
of a worthy companion and an affectionate father." 

Family bereavements and failing health were gradually- 
loosing the ties that bound Robert Patterson to the world. His 
Indian campaigns were long over, and his later soldier service a 
thing of the past. His business interests, hampered often by 
his creduUty and generosity, had not always prospered, and 
the reverses he suffered might have discouraged even a braver 
man. For years after being disabled by wounds, he received 
no pension, proudly declaring that so long as he was able to 
make a living he would not ask help from the Government. 
But in 1811, being then still suffering from the wound received 
at the Miami villages in 1786, he did ask for a pension and 
got it. He drew twenty-five dollars a month from 1812 until 
1819, when, by the advice of friends, he applied for arrears at 
the same rate from November fifth, 1786 to 1812. In 1819 
all his wounds had grown more painful, and attacks of rheu- 
matism brought on by exposure added to his disability. The 
hand wounded thirty-three years before was at times so pain- 
ful as to be carried in a sling, and he never was able to write 
his name except haltingly and with greatest difficult}^ This 
is a reason for his few and short letters during the last twenty 
years of his life.* The colonel did not live to receive his back 
pay. Allowance for six years' arrears came to his executors 
several years after his death. 

Approaching his seventy-third year, Robert Patterson felt 
that his days were nearly told. His daughter Catherine wrote : 

" Perhaps father's last visit to town was in attendance upon commun- 
ion services in our own church, immediately following Methodist camp 



* His physician's statemenlB, taken to support his application for back pay. say that he had 
■'Anchylosis of the right elbow joint, apparently caused by gunshot wound, with opening through the 
skin covering the joint through which matter is discharged. The carpal bones of the right hand are 
fractured, and there is an eschar on the thorax; apparently the instrument penetrated the body 
cavity. 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 317 

meeting (June, 1S27) at Mad River spring near the bridge. Father did 
not get about the farm much after that, management of the farm and 
mills then being in hands of Robert L. and Jefferson, and entirely so 
after father had made his will." 

About this time (1826) Catherine Brown was married, for 
the second time, to Andrew Irwin, and her father being by 
this time quite feeble, the wedding took place at Rubicon farm 
so as to allow him to be present. 
Later she wrote : 

"Father met some canal men at Compton's Tavern and later in the 
day came with them to my house, his last visit to me. Soon after he 
took to his bed for the last time." 

Captain Nisbet spent several days with Colonel Patterson 
in July at his request, and there were many callers from 
town, as it became generally known that death was near at 
hand. He bore his sufferings with fortitude ; the endurance 
of the inevitable which he had learned in his young manhood 
while fighting for home and peace and family did not desert 
him on his death-bed. He became weaker and weaker, open- 
ing his eyes only occasionally to let them rest upon his "eaver 
luvely Elizabeth," who stood by his side as she had done for 
fifty long years. He "babbled o' green fields"; spoke as if 
remembering battles and hunting scenes; at last lapsed into 
unconsciousness, and at five o'clock on the afternoon of No- 
vember ninth, 1827, the gallant old soldier answered taps for 
the last time. The reveille was on the other side of the river, 
where there are no Indians, nor creditors, nor musket wounds, 
but the triumphs of a finished career. At the bedside of 
the dying man with Mrs. Patterson were their sons — Francis, 
Robert L. and Jefferson; daughter Catherine, Dr. Haines, 
and other relatives. Interment took place the next day 
in the old Fifth Street Graveyard. Twenty years afterward 
his son Jefferson Patterson removed the body to the present 



318 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

Patterson burial-lot in Woodland, where he now sleeps above 
the valley, the river and the town. 

According to Colonel Patterson's wishes the estate was 
divided at once ; that is, the sons and sons-in-law took posses- 
sion of the farms. Robert L. and Jefferson succeeded to the 
mills ; the mother, for the time being, remaining with them in 
the Rubicon home. 

Before the A'ear closed other deaths occurred in the family; 
Andrew Irwin, second husband of Catherine P. Brown, who 
had been in constant attendance upon Colonel Patterson 
through the last critical illness, died from fever. Elizabeth 
P. Nisbet, wife of Captain Nisbet, died on Christmas Day, 
1827, and was laid to rest in the family burial-lot on Twin 
Creek. 

Two weeks later came a heavy flood, caused by melting 
snows, which passed off with continued rains, raising the 
waters in Wolf Creek, Stillwater, the Great and Little Miamis, 
and Mad River, to a greater height than since the flood 
of 1814. The swollen streams carried off farm fences, 
cribs, barns, cabins and crops and log bridges everywhere. 
The new State dam in Mad River was badly damaged; 
the high canal bridge, at the corner of East Third and 
Webster Stxeets, was washed away, and Jefferson Street 
Bridge nearly wrecked. All mill-race bridges in town 
were swept off with much other property. Rubicon Creek 
was a terror; its banks badly washed; and the Patterson 
brothers, Robert L. and Jefferson, saved the mill dam only 
after several days and nights of hard work and watching. 
Two months were required to repair damages; the mills 
remaining idle until race and dam were again in order. 
Several months of good water supply, and fine crops on the 
farm, however, put the Patterson brothers again on safe 
footing. 

Rev. James Welsh died at Vevay, Ind., November tenth, 



COL. ROBERT PATTERSON 319 

1826. Fannie Marie Goodlet, daughter of Rebecca Patterson 
Goodlet, speeding the summer on the Rubicon with Mrs. Pat- 
terson, died September twentieth, 1829, and was buried on the 
Patterson lot in Woodland. Captain James I. Nisbet died 
at New Lexington on Twin Creek, June ninth, 1830. Follow- 
ing this, Harriet Nisbet, then ten years old, was sent over to 
Dayton for a home with her grandmother Patterson, who, 
being seventy, had decided to leave the farm with her son 
Jefferson for a home in town; Robert L. to remain on the 
farm. Jefferson rode out every day to hard work in field 
or mill, at the same time having business investments in 
town. 

"In February, 1832," writes Ashley Brown, "Rubicon 
Creek again became a wild torrent, overflowing the dam and 
race embankment above the stone mill, and the wasteways and 
race-banks between the mills. Communication with town was 
cut off by back-water that united river and canal into one 
broad sheet of flood-water covering the bottoms, leaving Day- 
ton but a small island, as in the years 1828, 1814 and 1805. 
After this freshet the mills were closed until the ponds 
had been deepened and extended, and dam and banks so 
strengthened that very little repairing was necessary in the 
following fifteen years. The bottom land fences had washed 
away, and the farms owned by the sisters of Robert and Jef- 
ferson, across the river, lost fences and cribs. The middle 
pier of the Dayton Bridge washed out, and the bridge at Miam- 
isburg was the only one in good condition the entire length of 
the Miami River. Restoration of fences and small bridges did 
not interfere with spring plowing on the Rubicon. For the 
first time, coming into ownership of the farm, Jefferson and his 
brother pastured a considerable herd of cattle, which proved a 
profitable venture. The brothers closed the year by investing 
in wheat and flour, which doubled their profits, not interfering 
with their mill trade in the least." 



320 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



Thus, affairs ran more or less smoothly with the Pattersons, 
who, like their ancestors, took things as they came, playing 
the part of vaUant workers always, in business or on the farm, 
in rain or drought, and during frost or sunshine. 

Dayton at this time had a population of one thousand one 
hundred white and thirty-four colored persons, occupying 
two hundred and ten dwellings. There were also the 
court-house, county office building, jail, two churches, 
academy and five other schools, library, two bridges, two 
apothecary shops, thirteen dry-goods stores, seventeen gro- 
ceries, a flour-mill, sawmill, fuUing-mill and cotton factory, 
three tanneries, one brewery, four taverns, two newspapers, 
one wholesale store, three wagon shops, one carriage shop, four 
blacksmith shops, two sickle factories and a tin shop; there 
were three hatters, a coppersmith, seven shoemakers, seven 
tailors, three saddlers, three watchmakers, one tallow chand- 
ler and two tobacconists. This was the town that Robert Pat- 
terson had seen grow from the little hamlet of a dozen houses 
that had attracted him from the plains of Kentuck}^ in 1804. 




MEMORIES OF THE RUBICON FARM 

Jefferson and Julia Johnston Patterson- 
AT Rubicon; their hospitality; personal remi- 
niscences; FRIEXDS WHO VISITED THERE; ROUTINE 
life at THE farm; Jefferson Patterson in the 
legislature; death of Jefferson Pattersox 
and Kate Patterson; of William Patterson; 
OF Stewart Patterson; the end. 




CHAPTER XI 

MEMORIES OF THE RUBICON FARM 

" / charge thee, invite them all; let in the tide 
of guest once more: my cook and I'll provide." 

TiMON OF Athens. 

" She ivas a woman of a stirring life whose 
heart was in her house. Two wheels she had; the 
LJ^glJ] large for spinning wool, the small for flax. If one 

had rest it was because the other was at work." 

Wordsworth. 

N the numerous changes that have come 
upon Dayton, it is a matter of congratvi- 
lation that none of them has touched, save 
to improve, the venerable house that has 
been the scene of so many events in the Ufe 
of the Pattersons. "The Rubicon" will be as 
Julia Johnston's descendants from child- 
hood to middle age, as it was to her. The lawn, shaded 
with glorious old oaks and maples; the lawn where Robert 
Patterson was wont to entertain his Kentucky visitors and 
where John Johnston told stories of Indian warfare, yet echoes 
with voices that answer to the name of Patterson, and the 

333 




familiar to 



324 



rONCF.RNlXn TTIK FORKFATHKRS 



door wliich .lulia Johnston cnforod as a ))n(lo still opons 
hospitably to tlic friends of her famil}'. 

The homestead stands on a rise of ground to the south of 
Dayton. It used to be far out in tlie country; now the city 
limits reach quite to its edges. It used to lie between the 
road to Lebanon and the Ciiiciiniati ])ike; now it is l)Ounded 




SI'kim: iiousk at Kiuticox f.\km 



MEMORIES OF THE RUBICON KAHM 325 

on the east l^y Brown and on the west by Main Street. There 
are still the two wide porches, the ample hall and the spacious 
rooms. Behind the house, to the southwest, is the big barn 
where children of all ages played in the hay and hunted hens' 
nests, as the family children of to-day must continue to do 
if they follow the traditions of their fathers and mothers. 
The writer can yet smell the hot fragrance of that barn and 
feel the slope of the hay as swift flight was made from the 
steeps among the rafters under the roof, down to the level 
of the floor. In these flights it sometimes happened that 
there was sudden contact with nests hidden away by the 
hens, which had escaped search and where the eggs were not 
quite what they ought to have been; which of course made 
trouble for somebody l^esides the hens. Behind the house 
and down a long path which led into the garden and the 
melon patch, was the spring-house vmder the trees; a cool 
and shady sj^ot whence certain little girls have been excluded 
with some energy because they paddled with their bare feet 
in the stone basin where the milk crocks were kept. This 
spring-house smelled of damp stones, penn3a'oyal and mint; 
and the locusts buzzed above in the trees. The sj)ring fed 
a run, which wandered in and out at the foot of the pasture 
slopes, past the big barn where it watered the cattle; flowed 
across the pike under a wooden bridge, and so westward 
into the river. The pastures were full of cows and horses, 
the barn of vehicles, hay and provender, and the house of 
children who raced the fields and filled up the beds and the 
dinner-table in this hospitable house. On the Main Street 
road there were a sawmill and a pond where the visiting chil- 
dren played among the logs in summer and skated in winter. 
On the other road, to the east, stood an old stone grist-mill, 
where the stream that turned the machinery was green with 
water-cresses and resonant with deep voices of many bull- 
frogs. 



326 



CONCERNING Till*] FOREFATHERS 



'I'liore were at one time two orchards; the old one on the 
north side of the lane and east of Main Street, and the other 
south of it, called the new orchard. Ah! the apples that 
came from those trees! Shall one ever taste their like again? 
Golden Kussets, with skin jvist rough enough to make one's 
teeth want to break it; Pip])iiis l)ig enough for a meal; Bell- 
flowers and Rambos! Well, api)les are not what they were 
forty years ago; we call the gods to witness, and all those 
who visited the Rubicon farm. The cider-press was near 
the tobacco shed and worked by horse-power. Away oE in 
the woods among the maple trees, stood a rough shed sacred 
to the sugar boiling. The fires had to be kept up all night 
and the boys used to stay out while the sap was being boiled, 
and sit around the fire, imagining the Indians that their 
grandfather told about were still hiding in the shadows. 
This scary and delightful experience the girls longed to share, 
but were not allowed, for reasons connected with night air, 
March winds and sore throats. 




"""*?*, 



■^^iM.- 



SUCiAl! CAMl' 



MEMORIES OF THE RUBICON FARM 



327 



Those who remember past days at the Rubicon farm will 
scarcely be able to say which they enjoyed more — the sum- 
mer or the winter. In Avigust days they fished or swam in 
the river, or waded in the creek, or took long drives in the 
buggy, with a crock full of ginger-snaps under the seat; or 
they ate green apples and swung on a wild grape-vine. In 
December days there were nuts to crack, corn to pop and 
maple wax to boil; or there were tableaux to be planned, 
with a silk flag, a gold-paper crown and 
a pair of old party slippers. And 
when one went to bed in 
the big four-poster, one 
could hear the frost crack 
outside and, if the cur- 
tains were drawn, could 
see the snow-covered 
fields lying between the 
farm and Dayton. 

The roof of the Patter- 
son home used often to 
shelter, at one and the same 
time, different sets of guests, accord 
ing to the ages of their several enter- 
tainers. With three and sometimes 
four parties of young friends there 
at one time, the house was full and 

gay. It must have meant busy hours and tired muscles for 
the house-mother, but none ever knew it from her. Mrs. 
Patterson made everybody, from the oldest to the young- 
est, welcome and happy. 



^^^ 




LAWN PARTY AT RUBICON 
FARM 



The chronology of this chapter has to deal with Mr. and 
Mrs. Jefferson Patterson and their life at Rubicon. As has 
been written, they were married in 1833 and lived with Mrs. 



328 coNCERM.Xd Till': I < )Ui;fatiii;hs 

Elizabeth Lindsay Patterson, on .h'l'ferson Sti'cet. l-'aniily 
memoranda have been searched to find incidents of this home 
hfe whicli shall be of interest to the livina; children and o;rand- 
children. The first year at the -lefTerson Street home was 
spent almost entirely in the care of the venerable mother, 
whose age was telling upon her, and who suffered greatly 
from rheumatism. Her granddaughter, Harriet Nisbet, a 
girl of thirteen, who w-ent to school in Dayton and made her 
home with the Pattersons, was of great assistance to her 
grandmother. A cow and two horses were kept in town, 
one of the latter used in tlaily drives for ^Mother Patter- 
son. 

The year 1833 is still sadly remembered in Dayton's 
annals. Never had there been such terror and bereavement. 
The cholera that had alarmed the people the year lief ore 
liecame epidemic in June. Thirty-three deaths occurred in 
Dayton in three months. On August thirtieth, Robert L. Pat- 
terson died at the Rubicon home after only thirty hom-s' 
illness. Jefferson Patterson, his wife, Francis Patterson 
and the physician were at his bedside. The brothers had 
difficulty in finding helji to inter the body, but two faithful 
cousins, R. P. Brown anil Henry L. Brown, helped to carry 
their friend to the old Fifth Street graveyard. The Rubicon 
home and mills were closed at once, and so remained until 
late in Novembei'. 

Mrs. Patterson felt this shocking death keenly and never 
<iuite recovered from the blow. She was now in her seventy- 
foiuth year, surroundetl by all the care that loving children and 
grandchildren could give. But years had left their mark and 
the end was near. In August she contracted a slight cold, 
which, together with grief, enfeebled her greatly. On Octo- 
ber twenty-second, at eleven in the morning, nearly two 
months after the death of her son, she passed ciuietl}' away, 
leaving behind her the record of a beautiful life. Funeral 



MEMOIUl'^S OF THE RUBICON FAini 



820 



services were held in the First Presbyterian Church, Rev. 
FrankUn Putnam officiating, the members of the Bible So- 
ciety immediately following the family in the procession to 
the graveyard on Fifth Street. 

Six children survived this mother in Israel — Rebecca (Mrs. 
Goodlet) and Jane (Mrs. Steele), in Kentucky; Margaret 
(Mrs. Caldwell), near Franklin, Ohio; Catherine (Mrs. Bi'own), 
and Jefferson and Francis Patterson, in Dayton. The estates 
of Robert L. and Elizabeth Lindsay Patterson were soon 
settled, the family papers, records, relics and household be- 
longings passing into the keeping of Jefferson Patterson. 
These two deaths gave Jeffer-son Patterson sole ownership of 
the Rubicon farm and mills, but he did not occupy the home 
until 1840. Francis Patterson lived there until the settle- 
ment of the two estates, when he settled his business affairs 
and moved to Missomi. 

The Patterson record at this time 
is closely crowded with marriages, 
l)irths, deaths and family gossip. 
During the seventeen years following 
the mariiage of Jeffei'son Patterson 
and Juliana Johnston, frequent visits 
were exchanged between Dayton and 
the old home at Piqua. John John- 
ston and wife antl son James visited 
Mr. and Mrs. Patterson in Dayton 
t^n days after Mother Patterson's 
death, and a short time after their 
departure, Robert Patterson was 
born at five o'clock in the morning 
of November twenty-seventh, 1S33. 
Six weeks later he was christened in 
the new Episcopal Church on Jeffer- 
son Street, which had just been con- 




THIO OLD EPISCOPAL CHUKCII 
ON .lEFFKHSOX STRLKT 



330 CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 

secrated by Bishop Mcllvaine. When this baby son was two 
months old, Mr. and Mrs. Patterson made a sleighing visit to 
Upper Piqua, remaining several days. In May, Mrs. Patter- 
son's sisters, Mary and Elizabeth, spent two weeks with her in 
Dayton; then Mr. and Mrs. Patterson spent a week at Upper 
Piqiia, attending the wedding of the sister Mary, who married 
Milton A. McLean, of Cincinnati. This occm-red on the tenth 
of June, 1834. The Rev. Ethan Allen, of Christ Episcopal 
Church, Dayton, was the officiating minister. 

It was in this same year that ]\Ir. Patterson bought his first 
carriage — a large leather vehicle swamg on the old-fashioned 
C springs, with yellow nmning gear. All their previous trips 
to Upper Piqua had been on horseback, but in this new 
carriage they drove up through the woods to attend the funeral 
of Mrs. Patterson's grandmother, Elizabeth Bernard John- 
ston, who died August eighteenth, 1834, aged eighty-nine 
years. 

In the fall of 1837, subscriptions were opened for building, 
with State aid, two turnpikes from Dayton to Cincinnati, one 
through Lebanon, the other \ii\ Miamisburg, Franklin and 
Monroe, both of them running through Rubicon farm, lioth 
enterprises, so dear to his father's heart, were encouraged by 
Jefferson Patterson and pushed to completion. 

It was during this winter that Mr. and Mrs. Patterson fii-st 



The family Bible gives us the following records: 

John Johnston Patterson, son of Jefferson and Juliana Patterson, born on JefferMiri Street. 
Davton, August twenty-first. 18.35, died in infancy. 

Uachel Robinson F.kttktlso^. daughter of Jeffer.son and Julian: 
Jefferson Street home. May thirteenth IS'ST , at eight a.m., christened 
Kev. Kthan Allen, died in infancy. 

William Lindsay Patterson, son of Jefferson and Juliana Patterson, born in the Jefferson 
Street house. Davton. at five o'clock in the morning of April first. 1S39. 

Henry L. Brown and Sarah Belle Biiownino. married in Indianapolis. Pebruary seven. 1S37. 
by Bishop Kemper of the Episcopal Diocese of Indiana. (A party of Dayton friends accompanied 
Mr. Brown from home, and with the bride and groom returned in stage coaches, the trip lasting three 
days. In crossing a creek a stage tongue broke, and Mr. Brown and his bride rode into Richmond 
in a farm wagon.) 

Robert Patterson Brown (nephew of .Mr. Patterson) and Sarah Calloway of Xenia. married 
October thirty-first. 18.37. 

Stei'Hen .Iohnston. brother of Mrs. Patterson, an officer in the navy, married to Elizabeth 
Anderson of Louisville. Ky.. July third. 1838. (Soon after this wedding Jefferson Patterson and wife 
entertained the bride and groom. Colonel Johnston, and many of his children and grandchildren for 
a week.) 

Eliza Jane Brown (daughter of .lefferson Patterson's sister Catherine) and Charles Anuerson.o! 
Cincinnati, married September .sixteenth. 183.5. by Kev. Franklin Putnam. 

Raihel Johnston (sister of Mrs. Patterson) and William A. Reynolds, of Cincinnati, married at 
the Johnston home. May twenty-fifth. 1836, by Rev. Alvah Guion. 



A FAMILY GROUP AT THE RUBICON. MRS. J. .1. 
PATTERSON STANDING IN THE CENTRE 



MEMORIES OF THE RUBICON FARM 



331 



seriously considei-ed the question of 

moving to the country. 
Jefferson Patterson was 
by instinct and training 
a farmer, though he was 
many other things as 
well. Mrs. Patterson^ 
as we know, had been 
brought up on a farm 
and had her mother's 
love of housekeeping 
on a large scale. The 
family, too, was increas- 
ing and the home farm 
offered attractions and 
advantages for the chil- 
dren. Therefore in the 
spring of 1840 the Pat- 
tersons moved from the 
Jefferson Street house 
to the Rubicon farm, 
and this continued to be 
the family home through 
Jefferson Patterson's lifetime, 
hrst svunmer of the Patter- 
to live on the farm, the Rubi- 
not run after the Fourth of July until about October fii-st, for 
want of water. The extended drought was taken advantage 
of to clean out the two Rubicon mill-ponds and the course of 
the little stream. 

Mr. Pattei'son was most active in the organization of the 
first Montgomery County Agricultural Society. This enter- 
piise revived his own interest in well-bred cattle and horses, 
and with a determination to re-stock Rubicon Farm he took 




AT RUBICON 
FARM 



During that 

sons' return 

con mills did 



332 CONCKHNlNd llll': I'om:!' ATHKRS 

a trip to Keiiliickv. Thus early inheriting; his father's 
tastes, Jefferson Patterson found among the wide acres of 
the homestead farm abundant opportunity to indulge them. 
Rubicon race-track had been plowed up in the fall of 1839 
and the entire area sown in wheat. Before the harvest Mr. 
Patterson visited the Steeles in Kentucky, and by the advice 
of John Steele and son Andrew bought the " Corncracker " 
hoise, a finely bred animal that gained some note as head of 
the Rubicon stables. Ten years later old "Corncracker" was 
succeeded l)y " Civil John, " keei)ing up the strain of fine stock. 
Both of these high-bi-ed sires lived lo old age and are Inu-ied 
along Rubicon creek. 

The first Montgomery County Fair was largely the result 
of Ml-. Patterson's interest and energy. It was held in the 
barns and yards of the New Swaynie Hotel, on East First 
Street, near the canal, in October, 1839.* Afterwards the 
present Fair Grounds on Main Street were established, and 
became the next-door interest to the Patterson family for 
many years thereafter. Letters during the forties, from the 
boys in the Patterson family to sisters at school, describe the 
glories of the County Fair in glowing language. The week of 
the Fair was one long anticipatetl and prepared for, and long 
remembei-ed. It was not only a great commercial but a 
great social event as well, and furnished a large part of the 
zest of living for the whole Miami Valley. 

Births anil deaths continued to alternate in the Patterson 
relationship. Scarcely a twelve-month passed without its 
funeral or its new bal:»y. 

Elizabeth Jones Patterson, daughter of .lefferson and 
Juliana Patterson, was born in the Ruljicon house at three 
p. M., January twentieth, 1841. 

Mrs. Patterson's sister, Rebecca Johnston Whiteman, died 

•Ashley Urown. 



MEMORIES OF THE PvUBICON FARM 333 

April twenty-sixth, 1841, leaving a baby son that died foui- 
months later. 

Stephen Johnston Patterson, son of Jefferson and Juliana 
Patterson, was born December twentieth, 1842. 

Harriet Johnston, the sixteen-year-old sister of Mrs. Patter- 
son, had long been in ill health, and, while visiting Mrs. 
J. D. Jones, in Cincinnati, died April eleventh, 1843. Mr. 
Jones came up from Cincinnati with the body, and was joined 
by Mrs. Patterson, who, leaving Mr. Patterson and Robert thei'e 
at home, proceeded in the carriage with her children, William, 
Elizabeth and Stephen, to Upper Piqua, where on Cfood 
Friday, interment was made in the family burial lot. The 
Cincinnati sisters, Mrs. McLean antl Mrs. Reynolds, made many 
joui'neys to and fro between their homes and Piqua, always 
stopping at the Pattersons' for a visit on their return. In a 
letter written at about this time, Mrs. Patterson is asked to be 
at the bridge over the canal on the west side of the farm, with 
a bottle of fresh cow's milk for the baby, that was being 
brought on a canal boat from Cincinnati to visit its grand- 
mother in Piqua. 

On August eleventh, 1843, another unmarried daughter 
of Colonel Johnston, Rosanna, died at home suddenly, and 
was buried at Upper Piqua in the family lot ; and on Sep- 
tember twenty-fifth, less than a month later, Catherine C. 
Holtzbecher died at Upper Piqua after two weeks' illness, her 
daughter, Eliza J. Holtzbecher, being then four months old. 

Provision had to be made for the dead as well as the living, 
and as Woodland Cemetery had been established at Dayton, 
in 1842, Jefferson Patterson and Henry L. Brown each 
bought a plat of four lots in the northwest corner, where the 
trees were thick and the view covered the city. This 
locality was selected in the belief that it w^ould longest 
remain a secluded spot in its natural state. Mr. Patterson 
moved the bodies of Ms father, mother, brother and sister. 



334 CONCEUNTNC, THE FOTiEFATHERS 

and of his own children, and Mr. Brown moved those of his 
father, and son Kirkhani, and others, from the okl Fifth Street 
graveyard to their new and hist I'esting place in beautiful 
Woodland. 

In the midst of all these cares and griefs and absorbing 
occupations, Mrs. Patterson never grew self-centered. She 
held herself always at the service of those about her, and 
Rubicon farm was the hospitable rendezvous for the friends 
of both husband and wife. These were legion, and their names 
still represent the best elements in Dayton society. Among 
them were Henry L. Brown and wife ; Patterson Brown and 
wife; Judge Morse and wife; the Pugsleys, of Dayton View; the 
Bradfords, on the Lebanon Road; Mrs. Hiley Davies; John 
Van Cleve; Misses Mary and Martha Strain (" Never a Thanks- 
giving dinner without Mary and Martha Strain, Mr. and Mrs. 
T. A. Phillips and cousin Harriet Nisbet");* William Har- 
ries and family, of Harries' Station; Charles Anderson and 
family (who lived where St. Mary's School now stands, at 
a country place called "Dewbury "); the Harrisons on the 
Cincinnati turnpike; Colonel Partridge and the Stewarts. 
There were also Judge Haynes, Henry Stoddard and wife, 
Hemy Perrme, Dickinson Phillips and family, and Hemy 
Pearson. Among the relatives were Mr. and Mrs. George W. 
Jones, Mr. John D. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Davis Jones, Col. Will 
Graham Jones, Walter St. John Jones, all of Cincinnati ; and 
Mr. and Mrs. Horatio G. Phillips, of Dayton. The last were 
constant visitors at the farm . 

Ashley Brown says: " It was the custom of society people 
of Dayton and vicinity at that time, and for fifteen years 
thereafter, to drive out in carriages and wagons, many on 
horseback, with baskets of luncheon, swings, hammocks, 
grace hooj)s, jumping ropes, bats, balls, bows and arrows to 
picnic at Rubicon Farm, at Ludlow Falls, West Charleston, 



MEMORIES OF THE RUBICON FARM 



335 



Yellow Springs, Indian Ripple, the brush prairie on Mad 
River, Pinnacles on the Miami, the big spring on Stillwater, or 
in the old fortification on the Bluffs below Dayton. Mr. and 
Mrs. Patterson frequently had town relatives and friends at 
the Rubicon for an evening picnic and supper in the fine old 
grove in the house yard. " 

And again he writes: "Sleighing parties were famous 




nX'ISICOX FARM 



social functions in the period of years, 1820 to 1850. Made 
up of young people of the town and country they visited farm 
and village homes, often stopping for supper and dance at 
wayside tavern or halfwaj^ house in the circle of long rides to 
Franklin, West Alexandria, Troy, Springfield, Yellow Springs, 
Xenia, Waynesville and Lebanon. Several times during cold 
winters Jefferson Patterson with a party of friends in sleighs 
made the trip to Miamisburg and return on the frozen canal, 



336 CONCF.RNIXC TIIK FOIJKFATIIKRS 

and on two occasions ovor the ])ikos to ('incinnali and return. 
At anothor limo several slei<;li loads drove to Monroe 
for dinner and to Cincinnati for supper, l)ut being caught 
l)y chan,ii(> in tcMnperatiu'e, rain and melting snow, the young 
jH'ople wer(> compelled to return to Dayton in coaches, some of 
the men riding the horses and shipping the sleigh as freight." 
The " Patterson Sleigh, " now in its centenary, is as nuich a 
j)art of the famil}^ traditions and experiences as are the family 
portraits or the family silver. It was one of four made on 
the banks of Mad River soon after Robei't Patterson came 
to Dayton, by an old jnoneer whose name is now unknown. 
These sleighs were built of 

well -sea- soned 

wood (pre- JB^K^ i^ '^ 4 sumably 

a n d t h e 1 a s t f o r 

Robert Pat- i-attkhsox family slkich terson. It 

is thought that Charles 

Spining, who was a neighl )or t o t he jnoneer on ]\Iad River, 
first had one made foi- himself and came to Dayton with it, 
and that the others seeing it ordered similar ones — for the 
four were exactly alike in size and color. They were made 
by hand with wooden runners. The old sleigh has been 
used many times din-ing the century of its existence on 
runs to Cincinnati, Piqua and nearer towns, and up to the 
present time (January, 1902) has never been unfit for use. It 
still bears its original hue — yellow with black rings. Once 
when it was sent to be rejKiii-ed it was painted red; but when 
Colonel Patterson saw it he ordered the original tone restored, 
saying he never wished to see the sleigh any different color. 



MEMORIES OF THE RUBICON FARM 337 

All through Colonel Patterson's lifetime the sleigh con- 
tributed to the use and amusement of the family during tlie 
winter months. Later than this, in the sixties, it was still 
making young folks happy. More than one middle-aged Da}-- 
tonian can remember the thrill when the yellow sleigh drove up 
to the door mid frost and the jingle of brass bells, and a voice 
said, " Mother wants you to come out and spend Sunday." 

And now, in this new century, when snow covers the Dayton 
streets the old yellow sleigh still carries the family freight uj) 
and down the familiar ways and out to the Rubicon Farm. 

No building in or around Dayton was more familiar than 
the old stone mill. It stood on the Brown Street road where 
it is crossed by the Rubicon, now a mere thread of a stream. 
The huge mill-wheel dripping with cool water, its flanges green 
with moss, will be remembered by every visitor to the farm. 
The stream itself was sparkling and plenteous as it flowed from 
the abundant spring near the present Brothers' School, and 
after turning the wheel made its way through water-cresses 
down to the sawmill on the Main Street road and thence to 
the river. It is a pity that the old stone mill has van- 
ished before the inevitable march of progress. It was 
demolished to make way for the Oakwood Street railway 
improvement, and the stone used for a culvert under the road. 
On its site once stood a frame building which was, in Roliert 
Patterson's lifetime, used as a carding and fulling mill. 
This old mill was burned on the night of the seventh of 
October, 1815, together with a large quantity of wool antl 
cloth belonging to the settlers. During the next season the 
stone mill was built, and used for the same purpose 
for many years. When fashions of the day outgrew home- 
spun, a carding and fulling mill became useless, and the build- 
ing was converted into a "corn cracker," from which the 
families round about were supplied with Indian meal. This 



338 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



was its function during Jefferson Patterson's ownership. The 
factoi-y and mill were operated by water from the Rubicon 
s])ring situated a short distance east of it, which also supplied 
power to the sawmill on the Main Street road. 

Close to the spring had been erected a bath-house and in 
the grove surrounding it swings and benches for the accom- 
modation of visitors who assembled there during the summer 
months. There were family reunions and Sunday school 
picnics held under the trees and around the spring of promi- 
nent people in Montgomery and Greene counties. Indeed it 
became the fashionable resort for the people of tliis locality 
and bore the same relation to the social life of the time that 
the golf links do to-day. 

The sawmill on the Main Street road was a source not only 
of revenue to its owners, but of interest to visiting l)o}'S and 
girls, who played Indian and hide-and-seek among the logs. 
Mrs. Patterson tells us that it was alwaj's a profitable enter- 




> 



OI-P LOG MILL 



MEMORIES OF THE RUBICON FARM 339 

prise, and that tlie lumber was called "Jeff Patterson's Slab 
Currency, " because he used to pay his debts in town with the 
lumber. She wrote: "He sold to the carpenter, and the 
carpenter would pay him by an order on a shoemaker and 
grocer. In this way we procm-ed our groceries and shoes. 
The slabs from the sides of the logs were 
sawed in two, hauled up to the house 
by the children and used for vaiious 
purposes. " 

As to Mrs. Patterson's life 
after she moved to the farm, 
we have her own account 
dictated not long before her 
death, in 1895, at the re- 
quest of Mr. John H. Patter- 
son, who wished his mother's 
recollections preserved for 
the benefit of the grand- 
children. It is a narrative 
singularly deficient in egotism. 
She says as little of her personal 
share in the manual operation of 
the farm and home as if she had been 
a supreme official conducting an enterprise '""''' '"*''' '' J'i^'^'^^q ' 
by means of electric buttons reached from 
an armchair. But she was in fact not only the moving 
spirit of it all but an actual worker as well. The 
chonicle of the yeai-'s program on the Rubicon Farm takes 
the breath away from an ordinary householder. She tells of 
the fattening and butchering of from twenty-five to forty hogs 
each year ; the making of sausages stuffed by hand, and curing 
of hams (in the smoke-house still to be seen at the farm). 
Two beeves each year were converted into corned beef (Mrs. 




JEFFERSON PATTERSON 



;{)() rONCIORNINC TIIK FOHKFATIlKIiS 

Ik 1% ^ » Patterson herself superintending the prepara- 

■ XVv\^ (vl i^ ^ ^^^'^ "^ ^^^' '^'"i^^^)? ^^^ \wU) tallow and hides. 

S^v\v\ fq J' ^ Candles were made by stringing wicks on a 

V Vt\ '' I'l'i^T' ^^'^'^ '^^^^^ dipping them over and over again 

^y \^ into melted tallow. This was before the 

^^^< ^ii i" *^^ ^^ J days of candle moulds ; when they came in 

^^^fejT ^^::^sC'^ ij^g y)rocess was simplified, and then Mrs. 

^p Patterson, to save time, made her candles at night. She 

"^J describes the harvest field with the men at work and the 

lunches that had to be sent out to them — hot biscuit, meat 

and pies; the cider-making and the apple-butter stirring over 

anoi)enfire; the preserving of fruits; the chvu'uing of butter; 

the putting down of sauerkraut by the many barrels full, and 

the burying of cabbages and potatoes in pits in the garden for 

the winter store. She speaks with pride of the garden yield, t he 

quantit}' of vegetables and melons; of the latter she assures us 

naivel,y, that their quality was "better than any we have ever 

tasted since leaving the farm." Sugar-making was a large 

incident in farm life. Mrs. Patterson thus describes it: 

"Wc matle our own sugar h\ tapping the sugar trees, first, in the 
(lid sugar camp; later, immediately behind the barn, and afterwartls 
in llic new sugar camp which was between the forks of the road and the 
canal. The sugar water was gotten hv boring into the trees with a 
tlircc-(|uartcr inch augur and jmttiug in sjiiles made from the alder. 
These s]Mles were about one foot long and one end was round to fit 
the augur hole, and if not large enough, a ])i(M'e f)f cloth was ]iut around 
it to make it fit. The other end was cut off and run into the sugar 
trough. The trough was made of a piece of ash about three feet long and 
one foot in diameter, split in two and then hollowed out so as to hold a 
bucket of water. At intervals during the ilay, this was poured into a barrel, 
set on a sled and ])ulled around from one tree to another. This was hauled 
to the sugar camp, the foundation of which still remains. The camp was 
o])en on one side and covered on the top and other three sides. In front of 
the camp was dug a trench. This trench was walled up with stone and on it 
were set three kettles and mud placed arotmd them. At one end was a 
chimney two feet high. At the other end was an open space in which the 



MEMORIES OF THE RUBICON FARM 341 

wood was fired. As the water was dipped from tlie back kettles to tlie front, 
the back kettles were replenished with fresh water. This work was carried 
on day and night. The sugar camp was a favorite place for the boys and 
their friends on Friday night to stay all night, wrapped in buffalo robes. 
After the sugar water was boiled down until it was very sweet, it was put in 
barrels and taken over into the house. There, it was boiled down further 
and probably reduced one-fourth of its bulk, when it reached the state of 
molasses or maple-syrup. It was then put in jugs and kept in use for the 
winter. We would often take this molasses and for very special occasions 
(when we had company) boil it and make what we called 'maple-wax ' for 
the children. This, in connection with the hickory nuts, walnuts, apples and 
pop-corn, took the place of the candy of the present day. There was a largo 
fire-place in the kitchen and on this we hung the large copperand iron kettles, 
and there boiled the molasses and rendered the lard and tallow. At the side 
of this fire-place was an old fashioned oven which we used for baking bread. " 

To return now to the chronicle of events in the Patterson 
family: Colonel Johnston, his daughter Margaret and son 
James visited the Rubicon Farm twice in 1844; in September 
and again in December. John H. Patterson was born at 
three p. m., December thirteen, 1844. Henry L. Brown says 
Mrs. Patterson and baby son John made their first trip l)y canal 
packet to Piqua to attend the wedding of her brother, John H. 
D. Johnston, and Miss Mary J. Dye, on June twelfth, 1845. 
There must, however, be here some discrepancy due to failing 
memory, because the canal had then been finished for four 
years, and it would be strange if in all that time Mrs. Patterson 
had not made use of the new rapid transit between her home 
antl her father's. Miss Dye, the Piqua bride, was a daughter 
of Stephen and Elizabeth Dye, in Staimton township, Miami 
County. Mrs. Patterson and lialiy disembarked at Tro}', 
where they met Colonel Johnston and others of the family in 
carriages. The party crossed the river, drove to the Dye 
residence to witness the marriage, and then went on to the 
Johnston home at Upper Piqua in the evening. 

Catherine Phillij^s Patterson, daughter of Jefferson Pat- 



342 



CONCKHNINC. TUK Kor!!: FATHERS 



terson and Juliana Patterson, was liorn at three o'clock in 
the afternoon of December twenty-ninth, 1S46, "growing into 
girlhood a perfect picture of her mother, and very like her in 
figure and disposition. "■'' 

The year 1849 was one of great mental and physical stress 
for Mrs. Patterson. She endured, with a fortitude that seems 
hard now to comprehend, grief, anxiety and frightful physi- 
cal strain. It was the second time cholera had visited Day- 
ton. The panic grew with the pestilence. People left town, 
turned their backs upon each other, and the dead were almost 
left to bury themselves. In May the little daughter Elizabeth 
Patterson, called Lizzie, only eight years old, was attacked by 
cholera and died after a few hours' illness. On June fifteenth, 
Francis J. Patterson was born. On June twenty-first, Mrs. 
Patterson's favorite sister, Margaret Johnston, died after only 
eight hours' illness, in Cincinnati. f Here were two deaths and a 




TIIK rATTKHSON ELM AND TUV, RUIUCON FARM IN niSTANCEj 
JTIiis superb elm is now on the m-nuiuls of the Nalio nal Cash Register Company works. 



MEMORIES OF THE RUBICON FARM 343 

birth in (he family circle in two short months. Mrs. Patterson 
also lost two old family servants from cholera in this year of 
1849. After all these fatalities the Pattersons came into town 
and stayed with Henry L. Brown's family until the house had 
been renovated. On their return in the fall, Col. John John- 
ston became a member of his daughter's household. He was 
greatly saddened by Margaret's death, and turned to Mrs. 
Patterson, as so many did, for solace and companionship. He 
had many friends in Dayton who rallied around him in his old 
age, seeking to smooth the downward path of the years. His 
greatest resource was going over in remembrance his busy 
years as Indian factor and relating to his grandchildren the 
various incidents of his association with the savages. 

Arthur Stewart Patterson (always called Stewart) was 
born June twentieth, 1852. 

The next death in the family circle was that of Francis 
Patterson, brother of Jefferson. He was born in the log cabin 
at Lexington, April sixth, 1791. Ashley Brown says of him: 
" A man in disposition and habits as much like his brother 
Jefferson as it is possible for men to be, and the two, like their 
father, men of integrity and energy. He was a good business 
man and had had charge of his father's mills at different times. 
He lived at the Rubicon Farm except during the cholera year 
of 1832, when he moved into town and lived with his brother 
on Jefferson Street. When past middle age the fever of the 
West moved him and he went to Palmyra, Missouri, and took 
up land. Prospering in mercantile business he endeavored to 
induce his nephew, Henry L. Brown, to join him, offering to 
make him sole heir. Mr. Brown having property interests 
and a sweetheart in Dayton, declined, and his uncle Francis 
continued alone, a prominent and successful man. He died in 
Palmyra, September eleventh, 1854, and his remains were 
buried in the family lot in Woodland Cemetery at Dayton, O." 
Francis Patterson never married. 



:m4 concerning the forefathers 

On March fifteenth, 1853, tlie old Patterson farmhouse 
and the grove nearby were filled with a joyous coinpan}^ who 
met to honor the memory of the man who had foimded it. 
The descendants of Robert Patterson celebrated the one hun- 
dredth anniversary of his birth. Mrs. Patterson's l)ountiful 
table was provided, as usual, in excess of all necessity; old 
and young enjoyed the occasion as only happy relatives do 
when a common pride unites them. The old scrap-books 
contain this document, with signatures: 

"The undersigneil, tk'scendants of the hite Col. Hobrrt ruttcivoii, 
with some of their connections by blood and niiirriage, having assembled 
by special invitations to renew at the festive board and on this hundredth 
birthday, recollections of this venerable and distinguished pioneer-father 
of the West, think it not unfit to leave this memento of this union and of 
the occasion which it celebrates." 

RuuicoN Farm, near Dayton, Ohio, 

March fifteenth, lcS5;^. 



1 


Margaret Caldweli, 


Lexington, Ky. 




2 


Catherine P. Phillip.s 


Lexington, Ky. 




:} 


H. G. Phillips 


Trenton, N. .1. 




4 


Jefferson Patterson 


Lexington, Ky. 




5 


Julia J. Patterson 


Picjua, Ohio. 




6 


R. P. Nisret 


New Lexington, 


Ohii 


7 


R. P. Brown 


Dayton, Ohio. 




8 


Sarah G. Brown 


Xcnia, Ohio. 




!) 


H. L. Brown 


Dayton, Ohio. 




10 


Eliza J. Anderson- 


Dayton, Ohio. 




11 


Charles Anderson 


Soldiers Retreat 


. Ky. 


12 


Harriet P. Nishet 


New Tjexington, 


Ohi( 


13 


Asa p. Stoddard 


Dayton, Ohio. 




14 


Wm. L. Patterson 


Dayton, Ohio. 




15 


Kitty Anderson 


Dayton, Ohio. 




Ifi 


♦Stephen J. Patterson 


Rubicon Farm. 




17 


*JoHN H. Patterson 


Rubicon I''arm. 




IS 


*Mary Frances Brown 


Dayton, Ohio. 




11) 


Catherine Phillips Patterson 


l^ubicon Farm. 




•20 


James G. Brown 


Dayton, Ohio. 





.it the dead. --IEd.I 



MEMORIES OF THE RUBICON FARM 345 

21 Henry Galloway Brown Dayton, Ohio. 

22 Francis Patterson Rubicon Farm. 

23 Arthur Stewart Patterson Rubicon Farm. 

24 *Charles a. Brown Dayton, Ohio. 

25 *Bell Anderson Dayton, Ohio. 

26 John D. Jones Berks Co., Pcnn. 

27 Elizabeth Jones Ft. Wayne, Ind. 

28 Rachel Reynolds Upper Piqua, Ohio. 

29 *Mary Reynolds Cincinnati, Ohio. 

30 John Johnston Born in Ireland. 

Julia, the youngest of Jefferson and Julia Patterson's chil- 
dren, her companion and devoted daughter through life, was 
born in the Rubicon home at eight o'clock in the evening of 
March fifteenth, 1857, the one hundred and fourth anniversary 
of the birth of her revered grandfather, Robert Patterson. 
******* 

The stories of these later years at the Rubicon Farm are 
told by different relatives and descendants, by Mrs. Patter- 
son herself in the bequeathed memoirs, by Mrs. Fannie Evans, 
Ashley Brown, and Mrs. George Jones, of Cincinnati. 

In 1861, Andrew and Will Steele brought a large number 
of mules and horses up from Kentucky to prevent the rebels 
from taking them during the Morgan raid, and were at the 
farm for six weeks. Upon their return, Fannie Brown (Mrs. 
Evans), Kate Anderson and Mary Brown (Mrs. Canii)bell) 
rode on horseback to Cincinnati. Mr. Phillips wagered that 
they would want to return after going as far as Miamisburg, 
but they made the whole trip in a day. They started at 
seven o'clock in the morning, stopped at Middletown for 
dinner and to change horses, and reached Mr. R. Buchanan's 
place at seven in the evening, just a quarter of an hour short 
of twelve hours. In recognition of his mistaken prophecy 
Mr. Phillips afterwards gave each of the girls a ring made 
from pure California gold. 

Parties used to go out to the farm on moonlight winter 



♦The asterisks mark the living, not tlae dead. — [Ed. J 



346 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



iiiilfit s, driven by Jefferson Patterson, who went from house to 
house fiathcrinn; up the guests in the big yellow sleigh which 
still carries his grandchildren when snow 
covers the ground. The party gathered 
around the wide fireplace in the parlor, 
where Colonel John Johnston, the vener- 
able grandfather, made a delicious hot 
drink out of whisky, hot water, 
cinnamon, and apples roasted on 
t he hearth by his grandson.* John 
Van Cleve often drove to the farm 
on winter days, his portly form quite 
filling the cutter sleigh. 

A niece, Mrs. George Jones, of 
Cincinnati, writes: 

"We were perfectly charmed when Aunt 

Julia sent an invitation to visit the Rubicon 

Farm. Upon one occasion I was included in 

an invitation to visit the Bradfords, who lived 

on the Boavertown pike and had invited all 

the family to a peacock dinner. They had a 

large number of peacocks, the only ones in this 

])art of the country. There were such a large 

numl)or of guests present that four peacocks were 

consiuiied at this dinner. One of the roasted 

birds, ornamented with the beautiful tail feathers, 

i)ci-upi('(l the honored position on the table." 



Mrs. Patterson's detailed statement of 
the family life at that period, as made 
lo her grandchildren, will not be doubted. 
"Everybody on the farm," she says, 
"had to work hard. The elder of the 
children helped to attend to the meals, 
and the younger brought up and fed the sheep and 
calves. In the evening we used to amuse ourselves by 




MEMORIES OF THE RUBICON FARM 



347 



hearing Mr. Patterson and my father talk over old times. 
Your father* used to be called at four o'clock in the spring, 
summer and fall, as he would have to make his grandfather's 
fire, carry up wood enough to last all day, split kindling and get 
ready for the night. After breakfast he would turn the calves 
out, put up his dinner and go to school, either at the top 
of the hill to the school house at the foot of Houk's lane 
at the Flat-iron Point, or in town. In the evening when 
he came home, it was necessary to get up the calves, feed 
and bed them, and carry up wood to fill all the wood boxes. 
After supper, study lessons." 

This is a pictured interior that we could not well do with- 
out. The large family of boys and girls all busy, each 
with an apiDointed share of household labors, none allowed 



to shirk, all 
mother, her- 
self a con- 
stant ex- 
ample of 
u n tiring 
industry 
and faith- 
f ul ness ; 
at the end 
of the long 
day the 
family 
gathering 
a r o u n d 
the open 
fireplace 
in the cor- 
ner parlor, 
where the 

*Mr. J. H. Pattersou. 



of them controlled and directed by the 




OLD GATE ON MAIN STREET ROAD 



348 CONCERNING THIO FOHKFATHERS 

windows look toward Dayton, the children turning to school- 
l)()()ks — head work coming after hand work, as it always 
should do. Soniebod)'^ pops corn, another brings in a pan of 
maple wax, and the grandfather tells stories which the children, 
laying the lessons aside, listen to with eagerness. What do they 
hear? Our past pages give a hint. Gran(li)a Johnston tells of 
his dark-skinned proteges, the Indians; of his care of them, 
treaties with them, reminiscences of those doughty warriors, 
Tecumseh and Little Turtle; and of journeys through the 
woods from Fort Wayne to Piqua and Cincinnati, and even to 
Philadelphia, where he saw Geoige Washington inaugurated. 
He tells of the blockhouse where their mother was born, 
and where General Harrison and staff were entertained one 
night and fifteen prominent Indians besides, all in one log 
room. And as he talks the children think that, after all, they 
have a rather easy life and are grateful for their brick house 
with four-post beds to sleep in, their schoolhouse up at the 
Flatiron Point, and the exciting spectacle of canal boats 
passing to and from Cincinnati, right through the farm. If 
there were older guests present the children studied in silence 
(nccustomed to being sometimes seen instead of heard, 
according to the older and wiser fashion), while Colonel John- 
ston discussed politics with his son-in-law, Jefferson Patter- 
son, or with Dickinson Phillips, Johnston Perrine, or Capt. 
Adam Houk, as the case might be. The subjects that occupied 
them were the secession of the South, the Douglas campaign, 
or the Colonel's Washington reminiscences. One of the 
children paid more attention to the talk of the elders than to 
his books, for he recalls now, many years after, the enjoy- 
ment he founil in hearing his grandfather tell of events in 
American history, or describe the Senate, or Webslei- or 
Calhoun.* 

When Jefferson Patterson was attending the legislature 
in 1862-G3 the whole care of the farm and family devolved 



CAPT. ROBERT PATTERSON 



MEMORIES OF THE RUBICON FARM 



349 



upon Mrs. Patterson, the oldest sons, William and llobert, 
being in the war. These years must have l)een full of un- 
speakable trials to the mother, but there is no record of 
any save a brave acceptance of them. This winter was to 
bring the greatest test to Mrs. Patterson's Christianity and 
to her courage. She had laid away father and mother, five 
sisters and two brothers, had buried two young sons of her 
own, and had seen her little Elizabeth fade out of her life in 
a few hours. She had attended her husl^and's mother through 
a long, last illness like a true daughter, and had made her own 
father comfortable and happy for the last eleven years of his 
life. She had managed a large house and many servants, 
and brought up eight children. She had kept control of the 
milling business and conducted the farm when her husband 
was in the legislature, and we know from her own account what 
were the details of her daily life at the Rubicon. Never did 




THE SCHOOL HOUSE AT THE 
POINT 



350 



CONCERNING THE FOREFATHERS 



she falter or complain. But the events of the winter of 
1863 drew across her life a black line that separated her 
forever from youth and hope. Jefferson Patterson died in 
Cohmilnis wliile attending a session of the General As.sembly, 

on March twenty-third, 1863. 
almost the same time, 
twenty-four hours, 
3 eldest daughter, 
\ate, died at Mt. 
Auburn, near Cin- 
•innati, where she 
had been at- 
tending school. 
This double af- 
fliction was a 
crushing blow 
to Mrs. Pat- 
terson, and for 
years after- 
w a r d she 
showed the ef- 
fects of it. Her 
bravery, her 
■ength of character, 
her strong religious 
ipheld her through 




.1 KFFKRSON PATrKRr^ON 



A ti-ibute to the memory 
of Jefferson Patterson will 
show how he was held in the communitv in which he lived: 



"The life and eliaractcr of Jefferson Patterson may be briefly told. 
His life was innocence and his end was peace. His traits of character 
were few, simple and clear. There was indeed much in liim that was so 
unpretending as to escape casual or careless observation, but in all 



MEMORIES OF THE RUBICON FARM 



351 



his life and character, to one who did observe, there was nothing 
mixed or dubious; for he was honest, sincere, truthful, amiable, sensible 
and affectionate. He was all this always without a thought of any effect. 



thoughts or enact his deeds 

or design, but they each 

from his nature as 

as a stream from 

of this tribute 
o r y has 
him long 
intimate- 
the re- 
liis hfe, 
he never, 
single in- 
line w 
do, or 
wish to 
act by 
should 
least ad- 
in busi- 
another, 
angered 
any per- 
any pro- 
charitable 
slander the 
und the feel- 
son, and so 
less as not, under 
terest or vanity, to 
implication. For the 

FRANK .T. P..TTF.RSON ^''^"""' ^'^^"8^^ y^'''''' "^ 

son Patterson to his many 
who came sooner or tarrieil 
And at his own home, no citizen could 
with more open hand and welcome board and happy heart, dispense the 
joys of their frequent hospitalities than did he and his now bereaved con- 



He did not utter his 
as a matter of interest 
and all flowed forth 
frankly and freely 
its fountain. 

" The writer 
to his mem- 
known 
and most 
ly in all 
lations of 
and yet 
i n a 
stance, 
him to 
seem to 
do, an 
which he 
gain the 
vantage 
ness over 
nor to be 
toward 
son under 
vocation. 80 
was he as not 
good name or 
ings of any per- 
truthful and guile- 
any temptation of in- 
state an untruth even in 
rest, who was firmer or 
misfortunes than Jeffer- (Pied julv 
friends? In their afflictions 
longer to aid and console them? 




-1, 1901) 



352 CONCI^RNINd TlIK FOREFATTIKRS 

sort. This is strong praise, but it is nevertheless true, and it is pleasant 
to believe that the very many men and women who know our 'uncle 
Jefferson' will perceive and admit its truthfulness. 

"There was another general characteristic of this man which may not 
have been so commonly understood. He was not merely just and con- 
scientious to an unusual degree, but he was most fixed in his purposes and 
plans. Indeed, more than any one we ever knew, he realized what the 
poets desci'ibc ' ,histum ct tcnacem propositi virum.' To all these pri- 
vate and usual virtues he addcnl that crowning glory, 'a true and faithful 
patriotism.' " 

Only five years passed after this without a bereavement. 
In the summer of 18GS the whole family at the farm was 
more or less stricken with fever and dysentery. The house 
was like a hospital ward, servants as well as family being 
afflicted. Mrs. Patterson watched and worked \mtil strength 
gave out, and she too went to bed. There were no trained 
nurses in those days, and the nursing had to be done by 
neighbors and friends. Stewart Patterson was the most 
gravely ill. He was nursed by his brother John, who stayed 
by him night and day and administered medicines. All 
efforts to save him were unavailing: he passed away on 
August tenth, and his death left a blank not only in his family 
but among his friends, who now, more than thirty years 
afterward, still rememljer Stewart Patterson, his laughing 
eyes and curly hair, and happy, bright disposition. 

After this tragedy it was conceded that the farm offered 
too clear a field for the malarial air from the river bottoms, 
and Mrs. Patterson decided to change her residence. In 1868 
or '09 slie moved into Dayton aiul lived on West Third Street 
near Wilkinson, until her death in 1897. When first making 
her home in town, her daughter Julia and sons John H., 
Stephen J., and Frank lived with her. One by one the remain- 
ing children established homes of their own : Julia was married 
to Joseph Halsey Crane; Stephen to Lucy Dun; John to 
Katherine Dudley Beck, and Frank to Julia Shaw. So there 



MEMORIES OF THE RUBICON FARM 353 

were five Patterson homes instead of one, and the children 
and grandchildren continued to gather around the home 
board and fireside as they had in years past. No mother 
ever had more devoted children, and when she passed away 
on May twenty-ninth, 1897, it was to leave a gap never to be 
filled. 

The last deaths to occur in the Patterson family were 
those of Captain Robert Patterson on June 4, 1901, and 
Frank J. Patterson on July 4, 1901; the remaining grand- 
children of Col. Robert Patterson now living in Dayton 
being Stephen J. and John H. Patterson and Jxilia Patterson 
Crane.* 



*See Appendix. 




APPENDIX 
THE JOHNSTONS 



APPENDIX. 

THE JOHNSTONS. 

[Copy of Extracts taken in the Registry of Deeds Office, Dublin. The 
office was opened in 1708. No record kept before that date.] 



No. 1. 



(Book .374. Page 99. No. 248055.) 

Memorial of Deed of assignment dated 21 day of August 1769 made 
by Francis Johnstone of Droumsluice the older did grant to James John- 
stone his son-in-law that part of his ground or lands of Droumsluice 
then in his possession as also that part which is enclosed and which is under 
a grove of furze enclosed by the highway, that is to say his half with trees 
and ground and all royalties belonging to the said James Johnstone his 
heirs and assigns forever and his and their estate, and the said James John- 
stone to have possession of said grove and grounds immediately after the 
death of the said Francis Johnstone the elder. 

(Copy of memorial in the Registry of Deeds Office.) 



No. 2. 



Marriage Settlement Dated 1st of February 1770. (Book 372. 

Page 479. No. 249856.) 
Between Francis Johnstone of Droumsluice and David Irvine. A 
marriage between William Johnstone and Mary Irvine, Francis Johnstone 
settled on his son the said William Johnstone one fourth part of his land of 
Droum.sluice the same being equal to an eighth part of the whole in consider- 
ation of the sum of forty pounds, said Francis Johnstone further agrees to 
settle upon his son William Johnstone paying for it as before mentioned 
and in consideration the said David Irvine did pay Francis Johnstone forty 
pounds. 
357 



358 APPENDIX 

No. 3. 

(Registered 15th of October 1768. Book 261. Page 517. 

No. 172509.) 

Memorial of an indenture or Deed dated 29th of September 1763 
between Stephen Johnstone of Droumsluice and John Johnstone his son, 
both in the County of Fermanagh of the one part and Andrew Clending of 
Rusheen and Jane Clending his daughter both in said county. 

Now reciting a marriage between the said John Johnstone and Jane 
Clending, witnesseth that the said Stephen Johnstone in consideration of 
said marriage and as marriage portion of 30 pounds paid then to the said 
John Johnstone his son by the said Andrew Clending before the seaUng of 
said Deed with the said Jane his daughter, did grant &c unto the said 
John Johnstone the one quarter and one half quarter of the town land of 
Droumsluice with the one half of dweUing house standing on said land, and 
from and immediately after the death of the said Stephen Johnstone that 
then the said John Johnstone was seized and possessed of and became en- 
titled to one other half quarter of said lands of Droumsluice which the said 
Stephen Johnstone had retained to his own use during his hfe so as at the 
death of the said Stephen Johnstone the said John Johnstone should be 
possessed of and entitled to one moiety of equal half of the town and lands 
of Droumsluice to hold to said John Johnstone, his heirs and assigns during 
the term of his natural life and from and after the death of the said John 
Johnstone then to the use and behoof of the issue male of the said marriage 
and their heirs and assigns forever, and for want of issue male, then to the 
use of issue female, their heirs and assigns forever. 

(Said Deed contains several other covenants and clauses.) 



No. 4. 
(Assignment Book 378. Page 395. No. 2535.57.) 

Assignment dated 27th of June 1784 between John Johnstone of one 
part Jane Johnstone otherwise Clending his wife 2n(l part and James 
Johnstone of Droumsluice 3rd part. 

In consideration of £200 and other consideration in said Deed paid by 
the said James Johnstone did acquit discharge the said James Johnstone 
his heirs and assigns. He the said John Johnstone did grant to the said 
James Johnstone for a year all that, the one moiety or equal half of Droum- 
sluice to hold to said James Johnstone his heirs and assigns forever. Said 
Deed contains several covenants and clauses. 







'^-C^«>^ 



MAP OF ENNISKliJjiiN, 1KJ;LAN1) 



THE JOHNSTONS 359 

No. 5. 

(Book 759. Page 562. No. 515897.) 
Marriage settlement dated 24th of March 1799 between James John- 
stone of Droumsluice 1st part, Sarah Noble of Flatfield spinster 7th 
daughter of Thos. Noble 2nd part and John Johnstone of Goblusk and 
Thomas Armstrong of Sidon 3rd part. Reciting marriage between 
Stephen Johnstone and said Sarah Noble and the said James Johnstone 
was entitled to one full half of the lands of Droumsluice under a lease of 
Uves renewable forever under the Carlton family and that Sarah Noble was 
entitled under the will of Isabella Hamilton, otherwise Noble her sister 
to the one half of that part of the lands of Flatfield otherwise Sidon, then 
in the possession of Thomas Noble her father and to the sum of £100, 
witnesseth that said James Johnstone, in consideration of said marriage 
portion which said Stephen Johnstone was to have and be entitled to in 
right of said Sarah his wife and in order to make a provision for said 
Stephen and his issue of said marriage, and also in consideration of ten 
shilhng and for other considerations there-in, he the said James Johnstone 
did assign to said John Johnstone and Thos. Armstrong the half of said 
lands of Droumsluice to which he was entitled upon the trusts. In the 
first place to permit the said James Johnstone to hold and enjoy the one 
half of said lands of Droumsluice until said marriage should take effect, 
the same to go to the said John Johnstone and Thomas Armstrong and the 
survivor of them in trust, to permit said Stephen Johnstone to hold the full 
three parts of said one half of said lands of Droumsluice for the term of his 
life and to permit James Johnstone and Catherine his wife to hold the 
remaining quarter part during their lives and after the death of said 
Stephen Johnstone, James Johnstone and Catherine his wife that the 
whole of the half of said lands, should go to said John Johnstone and Thos. 
Armstrong in trust for the issue male of said marriage which with full 
power for said Stephen Johnstone to dispose of the same to and amongst 
his issue male in which manner share and proportion as he shall by his last 
will and testament or by any other Deed executed by him. But if there 
should not be any issue male living of said marriage at the time of said 
Stephen's death then the said half of said lands to the issue female of said 
marriage, share and share alike. But if there should not be any issue male 
or female living at the time of Stephen's death that then the whole of said 
half of said lands of Droumsluice and every part thereof shall go to the 
right heirs of said Stephen Johnstone forever with the power to said 
trustees to raise any sum not exceeding one hundred pounds by mortgage 



360 APPENDIX 

of said lands of Droumsluice for the younger children, and was thereby 
agreed that if said Sarah Noble should survive said Stephen Johnstone her 
husband that she should have and receive an annuity of ten pounds a year 
out of the lands of Droumsluice, with the power for her to destrain as the 
case of nonpayment of rent &c &c. 



No. 6. • 
(Book 090. Page 542. Xo. 474446.) 
Deed of assignment made on the 4th of April 1815 between William 
Johnstone and James Johnstone of said lands of Droumsluice, Carpenter 
third son of said William Johnstone. That Lanncellett Carlton of Ross 
did by lease dated 4th of May 1712 did set unto James Johnstone of 
Droumsluice a parcel of land known by the name of Droumsluice together 
with all the woods dec lielonging to same for 3 lives and said lease named 
before, for the life and lives of all such persons as should forever be added 
by virtue of clauses for perpetual renewal in said lease, continued at the 
yearly rent of £8 and half years rent on the insertion of each new life and 
also reciting that several renewals of said lease had been obtained the last 
of which was dated the 4th of October 176^, and further reciting that 
James Johnstone the original lessee was long since dead, and that the said 
premises demised by said original lease hath been divided and that one half 
of same are now in possession of James Johnstone of Droumsluice the 
grandson of the original lessee which portion is subject to the rent of £4 and 
one shilling, entire being half of rent and duties payable under the original 
lease, and that one moiety of the remaining half was in possession of 
Stephen Johnstone, brother to the said Wilham Johnstone which said 
William and Stephen are grandsons to the original lessee and that their 
respective moieties are subject to the yearly rent of £2 sterhng and also 2 
shillings duties each being the remainder of the rents and duties payable 
under the original lease and also reciting that the said Wilham Johnstone 
for and in said consideration of the love he had for his said son, James and 
for £100 granted to said James all that part of Droumsluice in possession 
of said William Johnstone which said portion so assigned was computed 
to be one entire quarter of the whole during the hves of the persons in last 
renewal. Dated the 12th dav of June 1815. 



(Copy of numbers taken in Registry of Deeds Office.) 



THE JOHNSTONS 361 

Col. John Johnston wrote: 

"James Johnston named in the following commission was my great 
grandfather, came from Scotland into Ireland in the Royal Army and was 
the founder and head of our family in Ireland : 

(Copy) "By the Lords Justice General of His Majesty's Kingdom of 
Ireland, Graften Gallway, to our Trusty and well beloved James Johnston, 
Gentleman. We reposing special trust and confidence as well in the care, 
diUgence and circumspection, as in loyalty, courage and readiness to do 
his Majesty's good and faithful service, have nominated and appointed 
said James Johnston to be Quartermaster to Col. Morwyer Archdale's 
Troop of Dragoons etc. etc. 

Given at His Majesty's Castle of Dubhn 2nd day of Nov. 1715 etc. 

(Signed) Chas. Elafage." 

[FROM THE "OHIO STATE JOURNAL."] 

" On yesterday I executed with the chiefs and councillors of the Wyan- 
dot nation a Treaty of Cessation and emigration without any reservation. 
The chiefs remove their people to the southwest of Missouri in 1843 at 
their own cost and without the usual agency on our part of superintend- 
ents, conductors, teamsters &c. They furnish their own transportation 
.and subsistence on the journey and find themselves provision at their new 
home. 

As many of our citizens are making apphcation for employment in 
removing those Indians, Editors of newspapers will please give this notice 
through their columns." 

John Johnston, 

U. S. Commissioner. 
Upper Sandusky, March 10, 1842. 

LETTERS 

[Robinson Johnston to his sister Miss Julia Johnston, care of 
John Johnston, Upper Piqua, Miami County, Ohio.] 

West Point, New York, Nov. 1832. 
Dear Sister: I received from you that letter which of all from U is the 
longest, f of a sheet and one hne over is quite a long letter. You have 
told me of so many weddings in and about Piqua that I do not beheve 
there will be any chance for me when I go, so that I shall have to depart 
from the general rule. I suppose the young men of Piqua are taking 



362 APPENDIX 

nurses in case the cholera should attack them. A very good plan to be 
sure, if they don't rue it when that leveller of Nations had passed away. 
You have had also a great "gad" with the youngsters of Piqua, Urbana, 
Lebanon and Oxford about the last of September. A very pleasant trip 
no doubt and, if it would not be considered mutiny, I would almost say I 
wish I had been there; but to make a merit of necessity, I will have to 
say instead. I would rather consecrate myself to the genii of Drawing, 
Mathematics and French. 

I expected Pa at the Church Convention until I saw an account of a 
letter being received from him excusing his absence. Then I expected a 
letter, but it has not come yet. It seems that the Convention has not 
come to any definite conclusion as yet concerning the " Narcissus of 
America." 

The weather is becoming very cold. Heavy frosts are common and 
Oh, the winds that whistle through those mountains, you cannot conceive 
of it. 

Like all others no doubt, I am rapidly advancing to the Johnston size. 
I am now five feet, ten. You can, of course, judge how much I have 
grown. I, Uke all I have left behind, am prone to play tricks, so I have 
altered as much as Nature would allow. You mil readily admit this to be 
fair play. 

Stephen has not written to mo since his arrival at W. but once. I am 
apprehensive of liis having sailed but I cannot conceive why he has not 
written either to me or home. Even one Hne would have been sufficient. 
May be he has not had time even for that. If so, well and good; and if 
not, let us call him lazy. 

With all our preparation, we have not yet received a visit from the 
Cholera. It has cut us. 

I have so many of you to tliink that I hardly tlunk of keeping an 
account of in what part of the world you are, so that I do not know whether 
Mr. Jones's family is with you or in Cincinnati, I think at least that if they 
are not they will be soon since the Cholera has attacked them right and 
left. They will be better off in the Country and have better water which, 
I beheve, is the greatest cause of the disease, and Cincinnati is watered 
from the river, the receptacle of all that is filthy. I presume you will 
escape with safety to all. Care is the great tiling. 

Remember me to all the family. 

Your affectionate Brother, 

ROBIXSOX. 



THE JOHNSTONS 363 

[John Johnston to all his Children.] 

Columbus, Ohio. 

To Julia, Mary, Rosanna, Rachel, Rebecca, John, Catherine and 
William Johnston, at Upper Piqua. 

My Dearest Children: I was very happy in receiving the letter which 
you all addressed to me dated on the 16th of this month. I feel thankful 
to that gracious Providence which has watched over us all since I left 
home and which has kept you in health and safety thus far. You may 
readily suppose how much I was gratified in receiving a letter written by 
so many of my children. I was so proud that I told the Canal Commis- 
sioners that eight of my children had all written me a letter with their 
own hands. There are very few fathers that can say this of their children 
and this shews the great and inestimable value of education. We are one 
hundred miles apart, many of you are yet very small, and still you can 
express your ideas in letters and tell me of your going to school and all the 
httle things that concern you and which add so much to the happiness of 
your Father to know. I can, in return, write you how I am, what I am 
doing and all else that you may be desirous of knowing about me. What 
a great blessing and advantage is this and how highly we ought to value 
education and hunger and thirst after knowledge as we would desire our 
breakfast or dinner after a long fast. I am glad to find that you are all so 
attentive to the school. It is a great advantage that you have a sister 
capable of teaching you. Be obedient to her and learn all that you can. 

The Jacksonians have the majority here but the party spirit is not so 
bad as it was in the beginning of the session of the Legislature. There 
are some of the members clever, agreeable men. Governor Lucas lodges 
in the same house with me; so does the Speaker of the House of Assem- 
bly, Mr. Disney. Both of these men have been favorable to our Miami 
Canal and are clever men. 

I have not heard from., Mr. Philhps since he went from here. j\Ir. 
Lowe, Mr. Odhn and Doctor Smith were here since from Dayton. 

I see Rosanna speaks of that EpiscopaUan family that has come to 
town. I hope they may remain there and prove a valuable addition to 
our church. 

I am glad school keeping has proved so agreeable to Mary's feelings, 
and hope it may not prove too irksome an employment. 

I suppose Rachel and Rebecca do the work and let Ma sit still and 
give orders and sew, darn stockings, etc., and Julia makes pound cake 
and Rosanna milks and churns. 



364 APPENDIX 

I can tell John I saw that celebrated exposition of the affairs of the 
United States Bank by James Leard, Doctor of Laws, as published in the 
Piqua Gazette. It is well calculated to immortalize the author. John, I 
suppose, still jogs on Charley to town and to the Post Office. 

In Answer to Catherine's letter: she says Mr. Guion gave books at 
Christmas to the Sunday School and gave Hatty and James little books, 
and that Mr. Guion is going to teach the children their catechisms and 
that he is very much liked, all of which I am very happy to hear. 

In Answer to WiOiam's letter: I am glad you all go to school and that 
you are learning. At the time you wrote, it was a verj' cold day here as it 
was with you. The weather is now warm again. I want you to learn to 
ride Charley so that you might go errands to the Post Office, etc. 

I hope Margaret's eye will soon be entirely well so that she ma\' learn 
to write a letter to Pa when he goes to Columbus. 

Tell James I hear he learns his letters and that he goes to school to 
Mary. I will bring him a pretty book. Poor Hatty too, she will remem- 
ber Pa is away on the horse. 

I wrote Stephen after I came here and as I have no answer, I suppose 
he has again gone in the Experiment. I sent you a copy of Robinson's 
letter. 

My dear children I often think of you all and wish myself at home 
with you again. If Providence spares me, I shall be at home about the 
first week in February or as soon as I can get away. My health is poor in 
this soft changeable weather. My love and affection to j-our dear and 
excellent Mother and may God Almighty bless you all my dearest chil- 
dren and bring us in safety together again, so prays your affectionate 
Father, John Johxston. 

Columbus, January 22, 183.3. 



[John Johnston to Jefferson Patterson, who has asked the hand of his 
daughter, Jan'y 23, Columbus, 0.] 

Columbus, Wednesday, January 23, 1833. 
Mr. Jefferson Patterson, Merchant, Dayton, Ohio. 

My Dear Sir: I have received this evening your letter of the 21st inst. 
and lose no time in replying to it, and as you are frank and candid in mak- 
ing your views known, I shall be equally so, for in all matters of human 
concern this is the best course, but more especially in that which relates 
to a matrimonial connection. 



THE JOHNSTONS 365 

Your family and connexions have been long known to me; your own 
character from report and personal knowledge stands very fair. I could 
not, therefore, for a moment have any objections to the proposal yon 
make, the consent of my dear Daughter being previously had. I have no 
evidence of tliis, but I take it for granted that the matter is understood 
between you and her. With regard to Mrs. Johnston, your visits at Upper 
Piqua has been adverted to in our correspondence and she coincides with 
me in opinion so that you have my consent as well as hers, and may Al- 
mighty God grant his blessing to what has already been begun towards a 
connexion of so endearing a character, and that it may in all its relations 
be attended with the best of consequences to all the parties concerned. 

Having said everything that is necessary on my part, it may be proper, 
as I am from home and cannot immediately communicate with the fam- 
ily, to make some remarks with regard to the time of the ceremony taking 
place. I shall be here most probably until the 6th of February and will 
be at home at farthest by the 10th, so that any time that yourself and my 
family may fix upon after the 10th of next month, will suit my arrange- 
ments. 

I am, Dear Sir, with great truth and sincerity, your affectionate 
friend John Johnston. 

Mr. Jefferson Patterson, 
Merchant, 

Dayton, Ohio. 

[Jefferson Patterson to Miss Julia Johnston, in Piqua, Miami Co., 
Ohio.] 

Dayton, January 25, 1833. 
My Intended: In my last, I promised you should hear from me as soon 
as I received your Father's answer to my letter, the purport of which was 
the asking of him the hand of his dear Daughter. His answer I received 
last evening and am happy to say is in every respect satisfactory. 

Thus you see that we have not only his consent but his blessing hke- 
wise, of which I hope I shall not prove myself unworthy. 

You write, if you thought your letters afforded me one half the pleas- 
ure that my visits afforded you, that you would write every day. In 
reply I would suggest as the best method I can tliink of at present, that 
you try the golden rule; that is, do as you would be done by. You do 
indeed take a great pleasure in writing to a friend as I have unbounded 



366 APPENDIX 

proof, for I can count no less than 1, 2, without doing violence to truth. 
I can count no more than two letters in it appears to me like two months, 
perhaps the time does not appear so long to you. One long week and one 
short letter. Tell the sexton of your church that I will be much obUged 
to him if he will not ring the bell next Sunday until you finish your letter. 
Good night, and believe me to be 

Affectionately yours, 

Jefferson Patterson. 



[Jefferson Patterson to Miss Jvlia Johnston, in Piqua, Miami Co., 
Ohio.] 

Dayton, 27 Jan., 1833. 
My much beloved Julia: I have succeeded at this late hour (10 o'clock) 
of clearing the coast of my old and young bachelor friends, who make a 
practice of calling whenever they can discern hght through even the 
smallest aperture. This is Sunday, as you will discover by the date, and 
you may perhaps wish to know how my time has been spent to-day. I 
will tell you. I have not been to church morning nor evening; I have 
seen no ladies; read very little, wrote none at all — but to tell what I have 
done is the question. Well, I was going to write to you, my sweet charmer, 
in the morning, but was prevented by an intruder. I then put it off until 
evening (or the present) when I had not been seated more than five min- 
utes before I heard tap-tap at the door. Who comes there and what is 
your intention? Clements, was the answer. 0, very well. Dr., walk in 
and take a chair. The Dr. after observing that he had just dropped in a 
minute to see how I was getting along, commenced his catalogue of news, 
and by the time he was through, every chair in the establishment was oc- 
cupied by some other dropper in, so I began to think it a dull chance for 
me to drop a Une to you. I used to enjoy those visits very much. Was 
glad to have any one come in to while away the tedious hours. Not so 
now. It is quite annoying to be visited just as I am about to write to 
my sweet JuUa. To be thirty miles from you my own dear JuUa, and 
surrounded by these interrupters, is my case not pitiable? I am sure you 
do think it is, though, by and by, I wish you would have as much Charity 
for me as I have for my disturbers when you read this letter and not think 
it too nonsensical. To cap the chmax, here comes Harry Stoddard and I 
must come to a close for this evening. 

Monday (and in every respect as above.) 
To my great delight, I this evening received yours of yesterday. 



THE JOHNSTONS 367 

which doubly compensates me for all that I have suffered by those 
interlopers. 

I would ask your permission to visit you next Thursday, but lest this 
should not reach you in time, I will take the liberty of asking the question 
in person. 

Accept my best wishes and, as before, 

I remain Yours, entirely Yours, 

Jefferson Patterson. 



[Julia Johnston to Jefferson Patterson, Dayton, 0.] 

PiQUA, Jan. 27th, 1833. 

My Dear Sir: Your letters of the 24 and 6th I received with much 
pleasure and hasten to answer them as you complain in the last of not re- 
ceiving letters more frequently. You appear to doubt the truth of it 
being a pleasure to me to write you. This I am very sorry to hear and 
cannot tell what plan to fall upon to retrieve my character. I might 
write every day for a whole week and tax your time and patience with 
either a budget of nonsense or a repetition of some local news which could 
not possibly interest you, so you see I am in rather a bad fix. You say, 
do as you wish to be done by. Now this would be impossible, for were 
you to write every day your letters cannot fail to interest; but as this is 
not the case with mine, I must ask that you chalk out some other course 
for me to pursue. But I must drop this subject or you will say with 
Franklin — they who are good at making excuses are good for nothing 
else. 

I have received from Cincinnati in answer to mine concerning the 
wedding and all things are to be in readiness, so that you may invite who 
you please and as great a number. But, by the way, I must mention a 
fact. I think it was agreed upon when you were here that Mr. Allen 
should perform the all important ceremony. This Ma puts her veto on. 
She says Mr. Guion would never survive the mortification, so I presume 
he will be the person. I do not know that I have any preference if 
you have not. I have written to Sarah Ross but have not received 
an answer. 

I trust you will accept my assurance of affection as a substitution for 
many words. Yours truly, 

Julia Johnston. 



368 APPENDIX 

[From R. C. Caldwell on being invited to be a groomsman at the 
Patterson-Johnston wedding.] 

Franklin, Feb. 11th, 1833. 
Mr. J. P.\TTERSON, Dayton, O. 

Dear Sir: Yours of the 6th inst. was duly rcc'd. late Saturday even- 
ing. More pleasant news I could not have heard of you. To decline the 
distinction you offer would be to do great violence to my own feelings and 
might be thought not to offer due respect to your Wishes. So My Dear 
Sir, I shall bo forthcoming whenever the emergency demands my presence. 
Look for me in Dayton on Saturday, 23rd. 

Will you appear in white vest, white gloves, white silk, stockings and 
pumps? If so, and you wish me thus " comparisoned " please procure for 
me at least the 1st mentioned article, (such as will fit you will probably fit 
me) the others perhaps can be had on demand when I come. 

Present, if opportunity offers, my best respects to your "Dulcinia" 
her sister and their Parents and receive the assurance of my regard for 
your friendship and of my just sense of the honor you do me. 

Yours very respectfully, 

R. C. Caldwell. 

P. S. — Please write me again immediately and say how you intend 
passing from D. to Piqua, and whether I had better come on horseback or 
how, — and for mere gratification to me, who is selected as Bridesmaid. 

Dear Sir: Father and Motlier return you their nicest compliments 
and best wishes. They congratulate you most cordially on your most 
happy determination and the sense of their encouragements to you will 
be expressed in a ver.se of Dr. Cotton's " Fireside." 

Though fools spurn Hymen's Gentle powers, 
We, who improve his golden hours, 

By sweet experience know- 
That marriage, rightly understood, 
Gives to the tender and the good, 

A paradise below. 

They will endeavor to make it convenient to witness the marriage 
ceremony and enjoy the bridal feast. 



THE JOHNSTONS 369 

[Jefferson Patterson to Miss Julia Johnston, Upper Piqua, Ohio.] 

Dayton, Feb. 11th, 1833. 

My Dearest Julia: You cannot imagine how agreeably I was disap- 
pointed this evening, when, on going to the Postoffice, I received a letter, 
the handwriting on which I instantly recognized as that of my dear Julia. 
I say disappointed because I have been so frequently disappointed when 
calling at the Office after the arrival of the Northern mail that I scarcely 
knew whether to expect a letter this evening or not, but by some in- 
voluntary power or perpetual thinking about you, I am sure to find 
myself at the Postoffice about the time of day that your letter should 
arrive. 

Was it not for violating one of the first principals of Philosophy, (the 
is, the act of Uving in a hurry or impatient) I would chide the wheels of 
sluggish time for so slowly rolhng on to that happy period when we are 
to hear Mr. Guion say emphatically, — I pronounce you husband and wife. 
What God joins together let no one put asunder. Thy name be praised 
Mr. Guion for that. Amen, so may it be. I declare, the latter part of 
the ceremony makes me feel quite serious, nevertheless I think I shall be 
able to pass through the ordeal of marriage ceremony without much diffi- 
culty. 

Tuesday the 12th, 10 :00 p.m. 

I was prevented from finishing my letter last evening by one bothera- 
tion and another, until after the mail had closed, which you will please 
accept as my excuse for your not receiving this uninteresting letter sooner. 

I received a letter this morning from Robert Caldwell in answer to 
mine. He says he will be forth coming on the 24th, equipped according 
to law and custom. 

The Col. and Sister Caldwell wishes to attend the wedding if they can. 
Sister Irwin thinks it quite uncertain whether she will attend or not. 

In regard to the invitations to be given to the young men and maidens 
of our acquaintance, we will arrange that matter when next we meet, 
which I hope will be Saturday. 

Miss Stone and Miss Allen called at the store to-day in search of some 
article which we did not have. Miss S — ■ — just as she was leaving, re- 
quested me to let her know the next time I went to Piqua. I asked her if 
I might not have the pleasure of going expressly for her accommodation, 
to wliich she looked wise, turned on her heel and the way she flew was a sin. 

Adieu, Adieu, and accept the best wishes of Your truly devoted 

J. P.A.TTERSON. 



370 APPENDIX 

[Mrs. Rachel Johnnton to her daughter Julia on her marriage with ' 
Jefferson Patterson.] 

Upper Piqua, March 5, 1833. 

My Dear Julia: The time is drawing near that will separate you far 
from your father's house and all the inhabitants of it. New scenes will 
be ever presented to your view and I expect you will be very much grati- 
fyed on the change. The protector you have chosen I think is a worthy 
man and will do all he can to make you happy, but with all this I want 
you to remember hoine sweet home and whenever you find it convenient to 
return, we shall be happy to receive you and yours. You now assume a 
new character as a wife and many things that might be pas-sed unnoticed 
in a yoimg lady are impardonablc after marriage. Your husband, I have 
no doubt, will do all he can to make you happy, but you must not be un- 
reasonable in your expectations. To be happy there must be a desire in 
both to please and j'ou will be so as long as this continues and no longer. 
Try to learn your husband's feehngs and view of things and endeavor to 
conform to them. Make him your counsellor on all occasions and your 
confident. Another thing, consider his relations your own. I think I 
have set you this example and the advice of a mother that loves her chil- 
dren is for you both to begin the world by giving your hearts to God. Ask 
of Him to be your God and j^our guide, your director and preserver through 
hfe and by so doing, you \\A\\ certainly love each other more the longer you 
hve together. 

I think by this time^Mary must be tired with parties and is ready for a 
httle more retirement than she has had lately. A time of reflection an- 
swers a good purpose some times, in the days of prosperity we ought to 
remember the days of adversity. There have some changes taken place 
here since you left us. Uncle James's wife is very low has had a very 
severe spell of sickness but we think she is some better. I sat up with 
her last night it was a fortunate thing Margaret did not go to Dayton. 
Stephen's wife is also sick and to make up all the troubles that we have 
among us, John came very near being killed on Sunday he was assisting 
Charles to get out the carriage. The door broke off its hinges and fell on 
him ; he is very much bruised but none of his bones are broken his face is 
very much disfigured. I hope he will be well in a few days. The weather 
is very cold here and I tliink you and Mary must have wanted your cloaks 
very much. Mr. Kirk left a pair of fine shoes in our entry the night of the 
wedding, Rachel seeing them the next day concluded they belonged to 
the Dayton party and sent them with Mr. Henrj' Brown, if you can find 



THE JOHNSTONS 371 

them send them up with Mary. Do not forget to give Mrs. Browning 
her stockings and to pay Mr. Stetinis what you owe him. I want you to 
give my love to all friends that enquire for me. You will write of course 
before you leave Dayton. I should like to know the place of your journey. 
Do you visit Baltimore? Pa and Sister join me in love to you and Mr. 
Patterson. Mary must come and get all her love at home. Pa has come 
home and says Walter is no better. If I had had Pa's knife an hour ago 
to mend my pen I should have written a little better. We have received 
your letter which was very acceptable. God bless you and bring you safe 
back is the prayer of your mother, 

Rachel Johnston. 



[Lieut. Ste-phen Johnston to his sister, Mrs. Julia Patterson, Dayton, 
Ohio.] 

Norfolk, March 18th, 1833. 
My Dear Sister: By a paper I received from Piqua this morning, I 
learn of your marriage on the 26th ultimo. The first impulse of feeUng I 
have obeyed and take the earhest opportunity of ofTering you my warmest 
congratulations, as well as my sincerest wishes for your happiness. I 
wish that I had been at home to have seen you given away and partici- 
pated in the pleasures all our friends enjoyed at the prospect of your 
coming happiness. You will no doubt say I should not repine as absence 
is my own act. Well, well if all my sisters play me thus, I must retort 
in their own way. Do not imagine that I am in a hurry. no. A few 
years more and then I may try my hand among the fair. I must request 
of you to present my fraternal wishes to your husband. We were known 
to each other in early hfe. Circumstance and occupation have separated 
us for years, nevertheless, I shall be most happy to renew our acquaint- 
ance and take his hand as a brother. God only knows when I shall be 
able to pay you a visit for no sooner had I left the hospital then orders 
came for me to rejoin the Experiment off Charleston. Where that vessel 
will go during the summer, I know not. It is very certain she will not re- 
main much longer where she is. I have no doubt sufficient time will be 
allowed me after my arrival to give you all desired information regarding 
our movements. I sail for Charleston in one or two days in the Grampus 
man of war. I have missed a great deal of amusement this winter by not 
being at Charleston. The officers of the Ai-my and Navy have been 
caressed by the citizens of that place on a style rare to be seen. I en- 
tirely forgot to say to you my health is restored. At present, we Naval 



372 APPENDIX 

men are busy getting up a Ball to be given to-morrow night. I wish you 
could see a Naval Ball. It is not a common affair. We do the thing well. 
If I should ever become a Captain I will show you a Naval Ball. Give 
my kindest wishes to our friends and accept for yourself those of your 

Brother 

Stephen. 



[Mrs. Rachel Robinson Johnston to her daughter Julia.] 

Upper Piqua, October 22, 1833. 
Dear Julia: Being disappointed at not seeing you up on Saturday I 
have concluded to send Margaret with Mr. Bardford. I hope Mary will 
be up soon but she must not stay with you long as we are in great want of 
her. I am very sorry you did not come up I am very anxious to see you, 
but when Mary did not come it was not your duty, I have given Margaret 
up to your care you must be as a mother to her teach her what to do and 
reprove her when she does wrong. I want you to get her a pair of worsted 
stockings white, a pair of woolen mittens, as much green bombazett as 
will make her a sun bonnet, and after a while you can get her another 
winter frock — you will be the best judge what kind to get, I had got her a 
nice Uttle cushion for her needles and thread and Catherine was fooling 
with it and threw it in the fire last night — if you have time I would be 
glad you would make her one I have sent pieces with her to make a cradle 
quilt you must make her sew when she comes home from school I leave it 
with yourself what school she will go, you can take an account of every- 
thing she costs, so that we can settle with you again. I send you some 
Uttle things there in the top of the trunk, she will want a thimble. In 
haste I bid you an adieu, God bless you is the prayer of your Mother. 

P. S. — I made a mistake in her apron and did not see it until it was too 
late to alter please rip it and turn it. 



[From Mrs. Johnston to her daughter on the death of a child.] 

Upper Piqua, June 27, 1839. 
My Dear children: It is unnecessary, I think for me to tell you, how 
my heart is affected at the loss of your dear Uttle daughter, my name sake, 
the news come like a clap of thunder to us all, we were looking every day 



THE JOHNSTONS 373 

for you and the children. But oh who can tell what a day may bring 
forth? Instead of receiving my dear little grand daughter the word come 
that her Heavenly Father, had called her to himself. He that formed her 
thought it right to make her sufferings great for a short time and then to 
take her to the realms of Glory. If poor frail nature could admit of it we 
ought not to feel sorrow at the loss of an infant, for we, sure they have 
escaped, the sin and polution of the world and are gone to heaven to be 
with God for ever. Our little child has made a happy exchange, and I 
hope God will enable you to be earnest in preparing to go to her since she 
cannot come to you. While we are in the world we have our part to act, 
and it is our duty to provide for our famiUes, but it is also our duty to 
endeavor to feel ourselves strangers and sojourners heare as all our fathers 
were. I want you all to come up and see us, do make an effort and come, 
Pa is arranging to go by your house that he may be with you a night. I 
cannot write you a long letter. I was obliged to go to town to day to 
assist in getting a cooking stove for Mr. Guion, and it is bed time now, I 
feel very feeble and can not do long without rest, so I shall have to bid you 
good night. May the great God enable you both to be resigned to his 
blessed will is the prayer 

of your Mother. 

[Lyman C. Draper to Jefferson Paiterson.] 

Buffalo, N. Y., Dec. 24th, 1842. 
My Dear Sir: Some months ago, I addressed you from Pontotoc, 
Mississippi, with reference to the Ufe and public services of Col. Robert 
Patterson, so distinguished in the early settlement of Kentucky, and sub- 
sequently in the infant history of Cincinnati. I took that occasion to in- 
form you that I was and had been for some years, engaged in the collection 
of materials for a work designed as " Sketches of the Pioneers," and that 
I was exceechngly anxious to include among the meritorious number, a 
full and accurate sketch of the life, services and adventures of your father. 
From the communication I then made, I have heard nothing; and still 
anxious to do justice to the valued and distinguished services of so prom- 
inent a Pioneer as Col. Robert Patterson, I venture to write you again, 
confident that you need only to be reminded of a fiUal duty to so good a 
parent, and comply readily with my wishes. I beg you will view this in 
its proper Ught and either give it your early personal attention, or secure 
the kind offices of some reliable friend, cognizant of the facts and informa- 
tion I so much need. 



374 APPENDIX 

No one can be better aware than yourself of the very interesting fact 
that the full and correct history of the perilous services and intrepid 
adventures of this old Pioneer, is but imperfectly understood, where un- 
derstood at all; and that if these scattering fragments are not soon col- 
lected, they will be buried with their possessors in the grave of forgetful- 
ness, and to future generations lost forever. Thus impressed, I have for 
the last four years labored incessantly to rescue from obhvion these 
precious historical reUcs of the past, that future generations might know 
something of toils, privations and sufferings of the Pioneer Fathers of the 
West and its early settlement. And now, my dear Sir, since I have met 
in many, very many instances, with the most flattering success, I look to 
you with great hope to lend me your aid in furnishing suitable facts, to 
enable me to prepare a creditable sketch of Col. Patterson — creditable 
to the subject, creditable to the memory of a gallant Pioneer and creditable 
to myself. It remains to be seen whether I appeal to you in vain. Let 
me know if your father left any manuscript letters or papers that would 
be servicable to me. 

Hoping soon to hear from you, I close by adding the good wishes of 
the season to j-ou. I am, very respectfully, 

Lym.\n C. Dr.\per. 



[Jolm Johnston to Jefferson Patterson, Esq., Dayton, Ohio.] 

Washington City, Sunday, May 12, 1844. 

My Dear Sir: I came to this city from Baltimore a week ago this 
morning and as I am preparing to leave tomorrow setting my face home- 
wards — could not forgo the pleasure of writing you, more especially as 
I can do so while here without incuring the charge of postage. 

My horse, the Captain, bore me on my journey triumphantly. He 
has good bottom and his gaits suit my habits of riding, but he has a con- 
stant propensity to frighten and run away, which causes me to travel in 
dread and uneasiness; otherwise, I have no fault with him. 

Margaret has been here and returned to Baltimore and Delaware. 
While here, she ^\dth Miss Kell, Miss Reynolds, George Jones and myself 
took the grand rounds, visiting the President's, the Patent Office, the 
Capitol and both Houses of Congress, the Library, Navy Yard, Congres- 
sional burying grounds, the statue of Washington by Greenaugh, and 
everything else worth seeing. Elizabeth did not come on here with them. 



THE JOHNSTONS 375 

Not being very well she remained in Baltimore. Soon after Mr. Jones 
having come up the river joined his wife at Baltimore, they with little 
Frank came on here, spent a day and a half. We all waited on John 
Quincy Adams and Mr. Clay. The former is now 76 years old, is in good 
health, vigorous and active for his years. No member of the House of 
Representatives is more regular in attendance than is this extraordinary 
old man. Mr. Clay is also in fine health and spirits. He cannot be other- 
wise from the evidence of pubhck approbation which meets him at every 
step. He is the idol of all hearts here. Ten call on him for one that does 
on John Tyler. The latter has gone down below the contempt of every 
honorable man in the community. Mr. Clay was pleased to bestow on 
myself some handsome compliments in reference to the mode in which I 
traveled to discharge an important duty to my country. Nothing but 
the act of God can prevent his election, I traveled extensively in Pennsyl- 
vania and in a way which gave me the best opportunities for forming a 
correct judgment, and I can have no doubt of that state going for the 
Whig nominee. Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Maryland will all go 
together. I have been in all, and in some extensively, since leaving 
home and I am very wilhng to risk my reputation for guessing on tlie 
issue next Fall. The change in Virginia in our favor has been great and 
overwhelming. It wall advance as in all similar cases. 

The Convention — No description can give anything hke an impression 
of the reality. It must have been seen to comprehend the spectacle in 
all its bearings. 100,000 strangers at least were in Baltimore and more 
than that number united in the procession which was almost two miles 
long. The streets through which the procession moved were hned with 
people and the front of the houses from top to bottom (the windows being 
taken out) were filled with the beauty, taste and fashion of the land; — the 
ladies, God bless them, for they are always on the right side and they are 
all with us, cheered us as we passed with their bouquets, snow white hands 
and waving handkerchiefs. My name had got in the papers and attracted 
some attention. A post of some honor was assigned me, occupying the 
same carriage with Senator Archer of Virginia, Mr. Webster and the Mayor 
of the City. Mr. Archer is a batchelor in years and liim and Mr. Webster 
passed some high compUments upon the beauty of Baltimore. The whole 
affair passed off very well and has made such an impression upon the 
minds of all as can never be forgotten. It has more than compensated 
for all my toilsome journey with the Captain over the mountains. I re- 
turn home satisfied and thankful to God that the country is in a fair way 
of being delivered from the government of traitors and weak and wicked 



376 APPENDIX 

men. I go back thro' Virginia by the Springs and on to Columbus home. 
Show this to our friend, C. Anderson, with my best respects to him and 
his wife, and with love to Julia and the children, am as ever your most 
affectionate friend. John Johnston. 

Jefferson Patterson, Esq. 

The Uttle orphan Eliza is doing very well. Has got some teeth. 
George was at Baltimore and Margaret is now in Delaware to come out 
home with EHzabeth. J. 



An Epistle jrovi John Johnston to the beloved Chiefs and principal men of 
the Shawnee Nation now in the Territory of Kansas: 

"John Johnston, your old agent friend and Father salutes you all, and 
through you the young men, women and children of your nation. My 
dear friends my heart has been sorely afflicted to hear of your troubles and 
now I rejoice to see the clouds beginning to disappear and a brighter day 
about to dawn upon you. Wise and good men in power both in Kansas 
and at Washington are about reforming the evils existing in your country 
and peace, harmony and justice will once more prevail. Although you 
have suffered loss by the late disturbances, I am happy to find that you 
took no part in them. This was right and proper and should such state 
of things occur hereafter which God forbid, take the advice of your old 
friend and have no hand in it. If your nation or people suffer loss or 
damage the Government will make satisfaction, this you may depend 
upon. The Mission of Friends in your Nation having by unhappy state 
of things been broken up and discontinued for a time, I have lately learned 
is about to be resumed and I have thought it a proper occasion and at the 
same time a duty to send you this epistle. It may be the last time you 
will hear from my words, for I am now an old man and must soon pass 
away to the land of spirits. The son of your former friend Isaac Harvey 
with his family is about to take charge of the Friend Mission and School. 
His name is Simon D. Harvey and I think is personally known to your 
people. He understands a httle of your language and will become useful 
to your Nation. I think you will find him honest & zealous to do your 
nation good. It is upward of fifty years since the Friends had a Mission 
among the Miami's on the Wabash during my Agency in that country. 
They have labored everywhere for the good of your race and never will 
ask anything in return. They want to do you good because the Great 
God that made all men requires us to be just, merciful and kind to his 



THE JOHNSTONS 377 

creatures and He is best pleased with such service. Your old friend and 
father who has never forgotten you calls upon you to open your ears to 
the counsel and advice of the Friends. 

They have come to you again with hearts overflowing with love to 
your people, receive them therefore in the same spirit and all will be well. 

Brothers and Friends of the Shawnees, Delawares and Wyandottes, 
listen to your old friend and father who has always given you honest and 
good counsel and who has never wronged you. You must now cultivate 
the soil and make your living as your white brothers do or your race must 
perish. This I have often told you before and now repeat the solemn 
warning again in your ears. Be faithful in your marriage contract, love, 
protect and provide for your women and children. This is what God 
commands you to do. Be sober, industrious and temperate and touch 
not the bottle. And may God enable you to do all these things is the 
sincere prayer and wish of your true and affectionate friend who bid you 
all farewell. 

Dated at Cinti. Apr. 2, 1857. 



[Mrs. Rachel Robinson Johnston to her daughter Julia.] 

Upper Pi qua, March 24, 1840. 
My Dear Julia: Mr. Whiteman is going to Cincinnati and it being a 
good opportunity I thought I would drop you a few lines. I feel anxious 
to hear from you I merely heard by accident you had moved. How do 
you hke your new home, do write me the first opportunity that I may 
know how you are getting along. I expect Catherine home in a week if it 
is possible she will be at your house, if it is possible I want to go to Dayton 
when the bishop is there but I cannot say until the time comes. Mrs. 
Guion asked me if you ware moved as she wanted to stay at your house. 
I suppose you have heard that Rachel Gassway and Mary Reynolds have 
joined the Episcopal church. I trust the Lord will carry on his work that 
more of my children and those that is connected with them may learn the 
ways of holiness, for without it none need expect to see the Lord. I sup- 
pose you have heard the report of Rebeccas marriage, hitherto I have 
said little about it as it was at a distance, but I thought it my duty to 
mention it at this time as we want you and Jefferson to be prepared to 
come up at that time, I do not know that the exact day is fixed but it will 
take place in the fore part of May, this is in confidence to yourselves as the 



378 APPENDIX 

time is at a distance yet, if it is the will of providence she will then connect 
her fate with that of Mr. Whiteman, I hope and trust it will be a happy 
marriage, we can not make much of a wedding as I can do very little my- 
self but I want to have the comfort of seeing my children about me at that 
time. I want to get a carpet in exchange for my wool. I want to know 
how they sell now and what they give for wool, if Jefferson would inquire 
I would thank him. I have no news to give you only to tell you I am tired 
hearing of hard times, and Polyticks. May the Lord bless you and pre- 
serve your soul and body is the prayer of 

Your Mother. 

P. S. — Kiss the children for me. 



[Letter from Colonel John Johnston to Ms granddaughters, Hebe and 
Lilly Johnston.] 

Clay House, 
Washington City, Dec. 8, 1860. 

"My dear Grand Children : I am in this City for the winter having 
arrived on the 1st Inst, direct from Dayton, Ohio. Your Uncle James of 
New York happened to be in the West on business, accompanied me thus 
far, and remained until I was comfortably located in quarters in the Clay 
House for the winter, he returned to New York last Monday. On our way 
down in the cars, we passed your Sanctum and had a view of the aire nest 
of the Institute hke that of the eagle perched high upon the rock. We 
could only look up and pray God to bless those dear children who were so 
near to our affections and who were located there. The journey over the 
mountain at so inclement a season was almost too much for me, and I have 
been a good deal out of health since my arrival and unable to go abroad 
until yesterday, when I called and made my bow to the President and 
Secretary of War, Governor Floyd, Governor Cass. The Secretary of 
State was closeted on business and could not be seen. My business here is 
to prosecute a claim before Congress of thirty years standing and to en- 
deavor to procure the appointment of Cadet in the United States Military 
Academy West Point for your cousin John Johnston Patterson. 

The pubUc affairs here are in a very unsettled and untoward state, 
growing out of the difficulties in the south, and God only knows what will 
be the result. If this free government perishes, the cause of freedom 
throughout the world perishes forever. Monarchy is already advocated 



THE JOHNSTONS 379 

by a writer in South Carolina. I pray you both enjoy good health and 
are happy and contented or at least as much so as possible away from the 
comforts of home and the parental roof. I left all your relations in Ohio 
well. When you write home don't fail to remember me very kindly to 
your Ma and Pa and that dear boy Richard. I will be happy to hear from 
you at any time, direct thus — Col. John Johnston, Clay House, Washing- 
ton City. 

May God Almighty bless and keep you my dear cliildren so prays your 
most affectionate grandpa." 

John Johnston. 

(Copy furnished by Mrs. Hebe Johnston Craig, of New York.) 



INSCRIPTIONS ON MONUMENTS IN THE JOHNSTON FAMILY 
BURYING GROUND AT UPPER PIQUA. 

Capt. Abraham Robinson Johnston of the 1st U. S. Dragoons, son of 
John and Rachel Johnston. Born at Upper Piqua, Ohio, May 23, 1815. 
He fell Dec. 6, 1846, at the battle of San Pasqual, Cal. 

His sorrowing father and surviving brothers and sisters have caused 
this stone to be erected as a mark of their enduring affection. 

By order of the U. S. War & Navy Department, his remains were re- 
moved from San Diego and deposited here April 15, 1852. 



Margaret Defrees, daughter of John and Rachel Johnston. Born at 
Upper Piqua, Ohio, September 10, 1825. Died (of cholera) at Cincinnati, 
June 21, 1849. 

An affectionate, dutiful and provident child who was a comfort to her 
aged and surviving parent. 

All is sad and lone where thou hast been, 

Thy voice unheard, thyself unseen. 
Thy tranquil grave is by mother's side, 

And there our dust shall mingle with thine own. 
And we will pray to die as thou hast died. 

And go where thou hast gone. 



Catherine C. Johnston Holtzbecher, daughter of John and Rachel 



380 APPENDIX 

Johnston. Born at Upper Piqua, Ohio, March 8, 1822. Died at same 
place September 25, 1843, and lies buried here by the side of her beloved 
mother. 

Tears fell when thou wert dying, 

From eyes unused to weep. 
And long where thou art lying, 
Will tears the cold turf steep. 



Lieut. Stephen Johnston of the U. S. Navy, son of John and Rachel 
Johnston. Born at Ft. Wayne, Ind., April 2, 1803. Died at Louisville, 
Ky., April 2, 1848. 

Entered the Navy in 1823 and had seen much service. His last cruise 
was in the Indian and Pacific Oceans as First Lieut, of the Columbus of 
90 Guns. He took his sickness at Japan and reached his native shore in 
time to die. 

His remains were removed and deposited here April 15, 1852. 



In memory of Rebecca Johnston Whiteman, daughter of John and 
Rachel Johnston, of Upper Piqua, and wife of James Findlay Whiteman. 
Born April 2, 1818. Died April 26, 1841. 

A gentle spirit whose short life was devoted to those who had claims 
upon her affections and regard. As a daughter, .she was ever dutiful and 
kind; as a wife, perfectly devoted under all circumstances; and as a 
Christian, meek and lowly, with a mind well disciphned for the enjoyment 
of those realms of bUss to which she was so early called. 



In memory of Benjamin, son of James Findlay and Rebecca Whiteman, 
who died on the 23rd day of August A.D., 1841 — Aged 4 mos. and 5 days. 



Rebecca Johnston, daughter of John and Rachel Johnston. Born at 
Ft. Wayne, Ind., September 3, 1805. Died at same place April 26, 1808. 



Rosanna Johnston, daughter of John and Rachel Johnston. Born 
July 2, 1809. Died August 11, 1844. 



Harriet Jones Johnston, daughter of John and Rachel Johnston. Born 
August 16, 1827. Died April 11, 1843. 



THE JOHNSTONS 381 

Col. John Johnston— Born March 25, 1775. Died Feb. 18, 1861. 
Served the United States in various important trusts for a period of 40 
years. By his own desire, lies buried here by the side of his beloved wife, 
Rachel, hoping to rise together at the resurrection of the just. 

Life's labor done, securely laid 

In this, their last retreat. 
Unheeded, o'er their silent dust. 

The storms of Ufe shall beat. 



In memory of Rachel Johnston, wife of John Johnston. Born in the 
city of Philadelphia, July 12, 1785. Died at Upper Piqua, July 24, 1840. 
An honored and lamented mother of 15 children. 

Lo, where this silent marble weeps, 
A friend, a wife, a mother sleeps. 
A heart, within whose sacred cell. 
The Christian virtues loved to dwell. 
Affection warm and faith sincere. 
And soft humanity were there. 



Elizabeth Bernard Johnston, a native of Donegal, Ireland, died August 
18, 1834. Aged 89 years. A tribute from a son. 



Underneath this stone Ues the body of Stephen Johnston, Esq., As- 
sistant in the United States factory at Ft. Wayne, who was treacherously 
slain by the Indians on the night of the 25th of August, 1812, in the thirty- 
fifth year of his age. 

His disconsolate widow has erected this tribute of his memory. 



THE STEPHEN JOHNSTON FAMILY. 

William C. Johnston, of Piqua, 0., writes: "My father's father, Ste- 
phen Johnston, along v/ith his brothers, John Johnston, Wilham John- 
ston, James Johnston, Frank Johnston, came to this country from the 
north of Ireland. Stephen Johnston was an agent for the government 
under Col. John Johnston in about the year 1809 until 1812. He was 
married to Mary Caldwell about the year 1811. She was born in 1788 at 



382 APPENDIX 

Brj-an's Station, Kentucky'. Her husband, Stephen Johnston, was born 
in Ireland in the year 1777. There were born to them, EUza Johnston at 
Ft. Wayne, and subsequently thereto Stephen Johnston was killed in 
August 1812 near Ft. Wayne. About that time his wife and daughter 
EUza, on account of the Indian troubles and threatening of war, were sent 
to what is now the City of Piqua, but then known as Miami or Washington, 
where a month after his death Stephen Johnston, the posthumous son, 
now Uving, was born. He is now in his ninetieth year. In 1837 he was 
married at Piqua, Ohio, to Uretta, daughter of Chester Garnsey. 

Eliza Johnston was married to Stephen Winans, by whom she had the 
following children : — Johnston Winans, who died in CaHfornia many years 
ago, having gone there in 1849; Mary Winans, who also died in Cahfornia 
a number of years ago; Robert Winans, still living in California; Samuel 
Winans, probably dead somewhere in California, having not been heard 
from for twenty years or upwards; and Belle Winans, married, and now 
living in Cahfornia. 

Eliza Johnston Winans and Stephen Winans died some years ago in 
Cahfornia. 

Stephen Johnston, the nephew of Col. John Johnston, now living as 
above stated, had born unto him Stephen Johnston, who died in Missouri 
several years ago; William C. Johnston, now living in the City of Piqua; 
Nannie Johnston, who was married to Dr. Brown and died in Ft. Wayne 
about twenty years ago; Kate Johnston, who is married to M. D. Butler, 
now living in Indianapolis, Indiana; ^Margaret Johnston, married to H. C. 
GrafHin, now hving in Logansport, Indiana; Marj' Johnston, who died in 
Piqua at about the age of three years. 



THE REYNOLDS FAMILY. 

Rachel Johnston, daughter of Col. John Johnston; born at Upper 
Piqua. Married: — 

William A. Rej'uolds, of Cincinnati, in 18.3G; died Springfield, Ohio, 
in 1872. 

Their children were: 

Johnston, who died in infancy; Mary Lansdale, Elizabeth Johnston, 
Rebecca Johnston, James Kell, Katherine Johnston. 

Mary Lansdale married John W. Coleman, of Cincinnati, in 1859. 

Their children were : 

Randolph Johnston; Latrobe (died in Springfield, aged 19 years.) 



THE JOHNSTONS 383 

Randolph married Eleanor Johnston, daughter of Robert Johnston, of 
Springfield, Ohio. 

Their children are: 

Mary Louise, Adelaide, and Jean. 

In 1875 Mary Lansdale Coleman married Edward Stockton Wallace, 
of Springfield, Ohio, now a lawyer of New York City. 

Elizabeth Johnston married Andrew Sheridan Burt, U. S. A. 

Their children are: 

Andrew Gano, born Cincinnati, Ohio; Edith Saunders, born Fort 
Saunders; Reynolds, born Fort Bridges. 

Andrew Gano Burt married Georgiana ( ), of Chicago. They 

had two sons, one deceased, the other remaining, Andrew Gano Burt, a 
school boy. 

Edith Saunders Burt married Capt. H. Trout, 6th U. S. Cavalry. 
They have one daughter, Dorothy. 

Reynolds Burt, captain 9th Infantry, U. S. A., married Lillian 
Stewart, of Cincinnati. 

Rebecca Johnston Reynolds is living in Paris, France. 

Katherine Johnston married Lieutenant Watson, U.S.A., (deceased). 
Mrs. Watson is now living in Paris. 



THE CALDWELL FAMILY. 

Joseph Caldwell, born March 16, 1793. Died September 30, 1828. 
Mary Ann Widney, born August 3, 1797, and married September 
23,1817. Died July 7, 1841. 

Pinkerton Caldwell, born October 23, 1818. 
Mary Jane Caldwell, born December 30, 1820. 
John Widney Caldwell, born November 8, 1823. 
Stephen Johnston Caldwell, born August 21, 1825. 



APPENDIX 
THE PATTERSONS 



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APPENDIX. 

THE PATTERSONS, 

[To Mr. J. H. Patterson, from the Hon. Chas. Anderson, on being 
consulted about the family history.] 

KuTTAWA, Ky., Nov. 4th, 1894. 

My Dear John: I am truly sorry that I cannot help you, in the least, in 
your good work. I suppose that I know as much of your grandfather's 
ancestry as any other living person. And that is just nothing at all. 

His father was a Scotch-Irish Protestant, Presbyterian, of course: for he 
(your grandfather) started out and was a zealous, earnest Elder in that 
Church until it was almost drowned out by the deluge of the "New Light" 
revival, which swept over Kentucky in the dawning of this century. 
Then with the Worleys. Thomsons, and a great many other Calvinists of 
all the Churches, he left his ancestral church and joined Elder B. Stone's 
Novelties. 

His father was married twice, for in my early days (say from 6 to 12 
years old), I knew his half brother, Arthur Patterson. He first hved at 
Mulberry, some four miles from Shelbyville, Kentucky. He was a most 
sensible, upright, and, in every way, worthy gentleman and citizen, — re- 
spected by everybody. He had three children, Robert, Thomas and Cath- 
erine. He removed, perhaps before 1830, with the two later (unmarried) 
children to lUinois. In a short time he removed to his son Robert's. He 
lived and died at Princeton, Ky., some twelve miles from us, say, in the 
early 50's. He was, as a lawyer, quite at the head of his Bar: — represented 
his County and District several times in the State Senate and House : and 
was very popular and much esteemed by the best people, though being of 
the wrong poUtics (a Clay Whig) he was beaten several times by one black- 
guard or another of the Jackson poUtics, for Congress. 

His father and himself now repose in the Princeton cemetery, with 
their monuments duly inscribed above them. I forget their dates. Your 
cousin, Latham, gave plans for the lajdng out of that cemetery. 

Your grandfather must have had a brother, for in 1837, 1 stopped at the 
387 



388 APPENDIX 

hotel of Thomas Patterson, who told me he was a cousin of the above. 
He was a very pleasant, sensible man, who had also Uved in lUinois. 

The sum of all our ignorance and knowledge is, (in my opinion) that the 
Pattersons (beyond our Col. Robert) are unknown and (now) unknow- 
able. That they were almost certainly from that great Body " the Middle 
Classes, " w hich now, as eternally always before now, compose the best of 
the Race: (Give me. Oh Lord, neither Poverty nor Riches) : that, of that 
grandest and best Middle Class, they were of the very best part (excepting 
the Puritans of New England) who ever migrated to America, \dz: the 
Scotch-Irish Protestant, Lovers and Heroes in Religious and Civil Liberty. 
And no sane and good man, or woman either, is justifiable in nosing around 
amongst coffins, etc. to find any better blood for their veins than this is. 
I wish I could, truthfully, boast of having either flow in mine, but, I am 
sorry to say, that I have "nary a drop." 

For the rest, this family has just as high a pedigree as any family 
(except General Harrison perhaps) which ever settled within the Western 
half of Ohio. And when the Harrisons got stuck up, and got to nosing up 
for their elect genealogy, they soon "treed" a Butcher, who became a 
General and a Hero (God bless him) in Cromwell's army. And, by the 
way, he was the only very able man in the whole breed, except one. Presi- 
dent Ben. Harrison now in Indianapolis. He is a very able man and is 
superior to all the stock added together, with the first Prest. W. H. H. 
and the "signer" Ben. both flung in for good measure. What better stock 
do we need? And if we were lacking in these ancient grave-stones-wealth 
or pretence, the Founder of Lexington and Cincinnati and the Pioneer 
Hero of many Indian battles, gives us Ohio Family's pile for " Dis- 
tinction." 

But (in my opinion again) all this is mere bosh. True w'orth, personal 
or family worth, never descends in that way, to any individual or to any 
breed. And the Pattersons can hold up their heads as high in Dayton as 
they, long before, had done in Lexington, and as justly and proudly too as 
the very best " first families " of them all. It is true, that in the " society- 
hne" the Col. made a mistake, in LSOS, by leaving Lexington (where they 
could live in the luxury of that people) to "settle" in Dayton (where they 
remained " land rich " and money (fashions) "poor" all their lives. 

But, for all that, no other family ever dared to stretch their necks above 
them. And why? It was because of the historic deeds and the exceeding 
moral worth of that venerable pioneer, warrior, hero, citizen and Christian 
Man, who was tlie head of that family. Wherefore, wherefore, (for one w ho 
is only indirectly and remotely interested in that movement) — wherefore, 




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ROBERT PATTKRSnx's CERTIFICATE OF AI'l'OINT- 
MENT AS ENSKiX TX COMPANY O, EMCVEXTH 
OHIO VOI.ITXTEER STATE MII.ITIA 



THE PATTERSONS 389 

I rejoice at your purpose (as Tom Corwin's joke used to phrase it) "to 
cumpaar Grave Yards, sah" with the best comers. 

And you need not go behind the 4th of July, 1776, either, or, the naming 
his Lexington after the first battle of the American Revolution. These are 
my ideas. 

Go on with your just and noble work, for it is a just and noble motive 
for any son or grandson, daughter, or great-great-daughter, etc. etc. to 
honor, and to show honor to, their own ancestors. I am sorry indeed that I 
cannot help you with one word. 

Very sincerely yours, 

Ch.\rles Anderson. 



P. S. — Give our love to your mother. "Uncle Pompey, " an old 
family negro, told your cousin Eliza that their Pennsylvania home was 
Chambersburgh. Grave-stones may show something. 

I am ashamed this morning to send such trash as this. But I can't 
think of re-writing it. I bethink myself, however, to say that, although 
Colonel Patterson was a more distinguished citizen than any man left 
behind him, either in Lexington or Cincinnati, and was the only one 
in or about Dayton of the least distinction, yet it by no means follows 
that the best biography of his can have any success, at this date, for our 
people are like Gallio, — they " care for none of these things. " And our 
" Pioneer Times " and " Pioneer men, and women too (who ought to really 
make about the most interesting subject-matter of all History) are, in 
pubhc opinion, of no sort of historic or romantic value when compared to 
the morganatic wife and bastardy of the " Czarewitz " or a fisticuff between 
two biped beasts. "Sixty-eight thousands, sixty-eight thousand, and 
mostly fools. " * 

Still, still, still, — I think you may as well make this effort to redeem 
ourselves and our countrymen from a very guilty neglect of that class of 
our best patriots and, very particularly, of him. Who to get for author, 
take care. In such a business, the writer of the memoirs is everything. 
Without the fit author, if you had a superabundance of the best historic 
materials, in place of your almost none, your book would do but little good 
to the public ( " Sixty-eight thousand &c., ") or to the family. 

Adieu again, — I am very affectionately, your oldest and most useless of 
kinsmen 

Ch.\rles Anderson. 



► Colonel Anderson quotes Carlyle on the Americans. 



390 APPENDIX 

[Col. Patterson's Kentucky Claim.] 

With surveying skill Mr, Patterson marked the boundary lines and 
corners of his land as described in papers shown in records of a case before 
the early courts at Cincinnati as follows: 

" R. Patterson's field notes, 400 acres more or less, on Town Fork of the 
Elkhorn branch of the Kentucky River. Selected for occupancy by him- 
self under Virginia law in Nov. 1775, around the big spring, later named 
Lexington. 

" Beginning at girdle oak tree on the hill where bridle path from Mc- 
Clellan's leading to my spring comes to the open, thence N. E. 3 blaze 
trees on direct course, should judge a half mile to natural rock in clump 
of trees. 

S. E. 3 blaze trees, 120 rod to windfall, said windfall within the bounds. 

South, 4 blaze trees, 200 rod to bear waller at S. E. corner of Buffalo 
grass. 

S. W. 3 blaze trees, half mile along skirt of timber, course breaking a 
little south along the ridge to girdle trees at crossing of the spring lick, 
thence turning near westerly, one blaze tree 80 rod to buffalo path on ridge. 

N. W. 7 blaze trees along winding course of buffalo path near 1 mile 
to old Indian camp, said camp within the bounds. 

N. E. 4 blaze trees, 120 rod to girdle tree on bridle path, the point of 
beginning, which is about 200 rod direct N. W. from the big spring. 

Girdle trees mark my 5 corners, and that winter I cut saplings along 
my lines. " 

[Robert Patterson's Narrative.] 
" Wlien Sterritt and I had made the improvement at G, on plat, and re- 
turned to McClelland's Station, Sterritt seemed much pleased with it and 
said he must have it, to which I objected reminding him of his promise. 
But Sterritt persisted in his assertion of right, and I as obstinately resisted 
it.* There being no way to determine it the matter rested. Sterritt ob- 
tained a claim from the Commissioners in some other quarter of the coun- 
try. When the Commissioners met in this county, I appeared before 
them and obtained a certificate for the complainant, Francis Patterson, 
on the improvement at Gz. Did not know of a spring on it until it was sur- 
veyed. The Fork of Cane Run, on which the improvement stands, was 
named by me and Sterritt as the North Fork of Cane Run. And the one 

* Note bt W. H. Polk, of Lexington. — Sterritt appears to have been a hogl When Patterson 
got a fine claim, Sterritt wanted it. He gave up one or two to him. and Sterritt wanting another, 
Patterson refused, and this contention seems to have parted them. Sterritt was his first special 
companion, in locating, in the fall of 1775, after arrival at Georgetown, or the " Royal Spring." 



THE PATTERSONS 391 

which passes through Flannigan's settlement and preemption, we named 
the Main Fork, and the one which David Mitchell lives on, and empties 
into the Main Cane Run, near Sanders mill, we named the West Fork of 
Cane Run. I never made or assisted in making any improvement on the 
North Fork of Cane Run except the one at G on plat. 

" Upon my return to Pennsylvania in 1777, 1 informed my father that I 
had made an improvement for him, on account of the satisfaction I had re- 
ceived from him, before I came to Kentucky. I laid in my own claim be- 
fore the Commissioners before I laid in my father's." 

In his deposition, given in the suit of Coburn vs. McConnell's heirs. 
Col. Patterson also states: "In 1776 I had made an improvement at 
the spring called the Sinking Spring, and sold my right to David Perry." 

Da\'id Perry was one of the company that came from Pennsylvania 
to Kentucky with Robert. At the time Robert and party were returning 
to Pennsylvania in 1776, and were set upon by Indians nea» the Hock- 
hocking; David Perry was only sUghtly wounded, and went to Grove Creek 
for assistance. The " Sinking Spring Tract," as it was called, Ues north 
of and adjoining Lexington. On it is now located the Eastern Lunatic 
Asylum and farm. Patterson sold this, "jumped over" the town, and 
located on the south side. The road from Lexington to McConnell's Fort 
(now Georgetown) passes through this Sinking Spring tract. It after- 
ward passed to Benj. Netherland, then to Coburn, and its interference 
with Francis McConnell's survey caused the issue of a covert in 1783, 
and in 17t/6 above suit was begun by Coburn vs McConnell's heirs. 
(C) The settlers who marked and located lands in Kentucky, in 1773 
to 1779, could not enter or survey them until a land office was estabhshed. 
This was done in the Fall of 1779, the Commissioners first settling at 
Logan's Fort, Harrodsburg, Boonesborough, Falls of Ohio, and Bryan's 
Station at the latter place Robert Patterson's laid on his entry, as fol- 
lows: "Robert Patterson this day claimed a settlement and preemption 
to a tract of land in the District of Kentucky, lying on the waters of the 
South Fork of Elkhorn about half a mile from Lexington, to include his 
improvement by raising a crop of corn on the premises in the year one thou- 
sand seven hundred and seventy six. Satisfactory proof being made to the 
Court, they are of opinion that the said Patterson has a right to a settle- 
ment of 400 acres of land, to include his improvement, and the preemption 
of 1,000 acres adjoining, and that a certificate issue accordingly." 
Bryan's July the 3rd 1780. 



392 APPENDIX 

In July 1775, John Flbyd had surveyed for Maxwell, who appears to 
have been the first pioneer on the site 0/ Lexington, a private claim that 
covered the present State College grounds, and other lands contiguous to 
the southern limits of Lexington. Adjacent to this was the 400 acre 
settlement of Patterson located early in 1776, on the south-west of Lexing- 
ton, on which he raised a crop of corn that year. Floyd also surveyed for 
himself 200 acres, contiguous, that included what is now West High Street 
on the Hill. Patterson traded a survey on Cane Run to Maxwell for the 
west 400 acres of his private survey made by Floyd on July 1775. Floyd 
sold his 200 acres to Col. John Todd, who, in turn, sold 70 acres of it to the 
trustees, to be added to Lexington. A small part he relinquished to 
Patterson, which included the site of the stone house. The south east 
corner of Floyd's survey commenced at the blockhouse, which stood 
at the corner of "Patterson's improvement," which was also Maxwell's 
corner. It ran "north 220 E. 300 poles," etc. The west Une of this 
Floyd tract ran back to the south west corner of Lexington survey, 
and just inside this south west corner, Patterson built his stone house. 
As soon as they had completed McClelland's cabin at the Royal Spring, 
building it in such a manner as to afford some protection against 
the Indians, Robert Patterson and his associates set about the location 
of lands. The improvements were all made in common and after- 
wards divided by lot. The following spring (1776) McClelland's 
cabin was enlarged and converted into a blockhouse, or station, capable 
of resisting a siege or heavy attack by the savages. This work accom- 
plished, they again sallied forth in quest of lands; ascending Cane 
Run, a tributary of the Elkhorn, they made a number of improvements a 
few miles west of Lexington. Here, one and a half miles below that city, 
on the banks of Town Fork, they built a cabin to work the claim of 
Wni. McConnell, one of their party. And it being "about the center of 
their improvements," as Col. Patterson stated, they "abided there 
until the corn crops were laid by." South of McConnell's tract Col. 
Patterson located his settlement of 400 acres and built upon it a log cabin. 
East of him was the single survey of John Maxwell, made by Capt. John 
Floyd, in July, 1775. At the same time that Floyd made Maxwell's sur- 
vey, he also made one for himself. The latter included the site of Patter- 
son's stone house and 70 acres of the south west corner of the Lexington 
tract as surveyed by Robert Todd in 1781. Floyd's tract embraced 200 
acres. He sold it to John Todd, who sold the 70 acres mentioned to the 
town trustees, to settle the interference. Todd also released to Col. 



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COPY OF LAND PATENT SIGNED BY PATRICK 
HENRY, GOVERNOR OF THE COMMONAVEALTH OF 
VIRGINIA, CONVEYING LANDS TO ROBERT PATTER- 
SON 



THE PATTERSONS 393 

Patterson that part which interfered with his (the latter's) location, on 
wliich his old stone house still stands. 

Patterson's 400 acres (shown on map by purple line) was bounded on 
the north by the lines of Wm. and Francis McConnell's surveys of 400 
acres each. This line is now the Versailles turnpike, anciently called 
"Scott's Road," because it led to "Scott's Landing," where General Chas. 
Scott (who conunanded a Virginia Brigade under Washington) had a ware- 
house to receive produce for shipment down the Mississippi. This land- 
ing was at Tyrone, on Kentucky River, where the great high bridge on the 
Louisville Southern R.R. spans the stream. The east hne of Patterson's 
400 acre settlement was "Curd's Road," now South Broadway. Curd's 
Road ran to the mouth of Dick's River, where the great high bridge on the 
Cincinnati Southern R. R. crosses the Kentucky. The South line of 
Patterson ran across from the Versailles Road (Scott's) to South Broad- 
way (Curd's) and took in the site, or most of it — of our present fairground 
and trotting track and depot and yards of the C. S. R.R. ," Davis' Bottom," 
etc. In fact it included all of South Lexington lying between the Ver- 
sailles pike and South Broadway, as far out as the fair grounds in which 
the trotting' track is located.* 

[Extract from the Rev. James Welsh sketch of the early Pattersons, 
written in 1816 to 1820 {H. B. L. Papers).] 

"The government land records will show that Robert Patterson took 
up the Lexington tract on Town Fork of the Elkhorn on 'tomahawk 
rights,' which title he guarded by sending his brother Wilham from Penn- 
sylvania to keep off squatters while he lay at home wounded. He soon 
further secured the land under the Virginia law, giving each settler 400 
acres for a home place. Finally in 1778 or '79 he paid for the 400 acres, 
40 cents per acre in scrip that came to him as pay for service in the Rangers 
under Gov. Dunmore; and increased the tract to 1000 acres by purchase 
with other Colonial scrip. Through barter and purchase he acquired other 
lands in Kentucky. The Indiana land was granted him by Congress for 
service in the IlUnois campaign, referred to elsewhere at length. He sold 
his tliird interest in the site of Cincinnati in November, 1794, for 2,000 
pounds Virginia money, enough of which he was able to save from his 
Kentucky embarrassment for later investment in the Green County, Ohio, 
farm and mill seat near Chfton, leaving a sum for partial payment 



* We are indebted for map and early survey of Lexington and adjacent entries on the north, 
west and southwest to Mr. W. H. Polk, of Lexington, Ky., whose research among old records has 
been most painstaking and valuable.— [Ed.] 



394 APPENDIX 

on purchase of the Rubicon farm and mills one mile south of 
Dayton, O." 

[Robert Patterson's Sinking Spring Claim (400 acres).] 
In fall of 1779, the Commission appointed by Virginia to receive claim 
and grant certificates to settlers, came to Kentucky and began work at St. 
Asoph's Springs, Logan's Fort, near or on October 13th, going through 
Harrodsburg, Falls of Ohio, and Bryan's Station. The Commissioners 
began their session at Bryan's Station on Jan. 3, 1780, and Patterson 
was promptly on hand that day to enter his claim, as the following extract 
from the Commissioners books will show. "Coburn vs. Jos. McConnell's 
heirs, Book of Land Trials, Lexington, Dist. Court, p. 101." "Robert 
Patterson this day claimed a settlement and preemption to a tract of land 
in the District of Ky., lying on the waters of the south fork of Elkhorn 
about half a mile from Lexington, to include his improvement, by raising a 
crop of corn on the premises in the year one thousand .seven hundred and 
seventy-six. Satisfactory proof being made to the Court they are of 
opinion that the said Patterson had a right to a settlement of 400 of acres 
of land, to include his improvement, and the preemption of 1000 acres 
adjoining, and that a certificate issued accordingly. 

" Bryan's, Jan'y the 3rd, 17S0." 

[Subpoeiia.] 

"The Commissioners of Virginia to the Sheriff of JlercerCounty summon 
John Bradford to appear at the Court house in Danville, Mercer County on 
the 17th of March, to answer a bill in Chancery exhibited against him by 
Francis Patterson, etc. " Penalty £1000. Witness, Christopher Greenup, 
Clerk March 17, 1787. 

(Executed.) R. P.\tterson, Deputy Sheriff. 

John Bradford, p. 285, Book A, Complete Record. Also dep. of Jos. 
Sterritt. 

The entry recites that this suit was brought back from the Court of 
Appeals in Dec. 1796, and placed upon the issue docket of the Lex. 
Dist. Court and then says: 

" Your Orator Francis Patterson, states that on January 17, 1780, in 
consequence of a certain improvement made for him by a certain Robert 
Patterson in 1776, he obtained from the Court of Commissioners a certifi- 
cate for a right of preemption to 1000 acres of land, at the state price, in 



THE PATTERSONS 395 

Fayette County, lying on the North Fork of Cane Run, to include his 
improvement, and to extend westwardly for quantity, etc. " 
***** 
" Francis Patterson enters 1000 acres of land on preemption warrant 
No. 852, on Cane River, a south branch of North Elkhorn, where John 
Maxwells east line strikes McDowell, with Maxwell's said Une 400 poles and 
with McDowells north and east-line at right angles for quantity, to include 
his improvement etc. " 

[Preemption Warrant.] 

Obtained December 4, 1782, and entered with the Surveyor of 
Fayette County as follows: 

Jan. 12, 1780, Jos. Bryan, Jr., on account of raising corn in the coun- 
try in 1776, " obtained from the Court a certificate for preemption and 
settlement of 1400 acres, adjoining Maxwell on the South and McConnell on 
the east, including a big spring on the north side of Cane Run and up said 
run for quantity. Entered it Jan. 17, 1780 and sold it to John Brad- 
ford, who sued Francis Patterson for interference and was in turn sued 
for same reason. The following is the claim with the Commissioners : 

Jan. 17, 1780. Francis Patterson by Robert Patterson, this day 
claimed a preemption of 1000 acres of land at the state price in the 
District of Kentucky, lying on the North Fork of Cane Run to include his 
improvement, and to extend westwardly, for quantity, by working and 
improving the same in the year 1776. Satisfactory proof being made to 
the court, they are of the opinion that the said Patterson has a right to a 
preemption of 1000 acres, to include the said improvements and that a 
certificate issue accordingly. " 

Bond of Robert Patterson as Sheriff, with securities Henry 
Marshall, and Hugh Shannon to Jacques Ambler, Treasurer of the State of 
Virginia. Penalty £10,000. 

"Robert Patterson, Gentlemen, Sheriff of tliis couni,y, undertakes to 
collect the Revenue tax imposed by Act of Assembly for the year 1787. 
Teste Levi Todd. Signed Robert Patterson 

Henry Marshall 
November 12, 1788. Hugh Shannon. 

[Ldter from Robert Patterson to his wife before starting on the Miami 

campaign.] 
Eaver lovly Elisabeth: I imbrace this opportunity god only knows 
whither it is the last or not I am now in as good helth & spirits as your- 



396 APPENDIX 

sail & now tempral mater conserns me licke that of the welfare of j'^ou and 
our two babes for wliich I comit you to the care of god who is only able to 
conduct us thrue this world and bring us to gather in this world or the 
world to come which I hope with the means that is put in our hands we 
will indaver so to obtain his blesing — the Indians yesterdaye took 3 ne- 
groes & one white boy prisoners from Lees station and crossed in sight of 
Limestone whare Colo Logan had gust got to and was about crossing and 
I am in formd he has followed them with a few men after the had about 
on hour start our army wll consist of a bout eight hundred men we hav 
three hundred from our county alltho the number may be greater as we 
have not joyned yet we ar to cross over the river to day our men behaves 
them selves exceadingly cleaver & has got the honour so far god of heaven 
bless you farewell R. Patterson 

if I should not return I gave and bequeath to you and youre hairs & a 
sings one halfe of my land on ken run with all my household forniture & 
on cow & one horse — my bath plantation I will to my daughter Rebica 
to her hairs & signs for eaver — my lots in town and remainder of my land 
on Kainy run I will to my doughter Margret to her & her hairs & a signs 
for eaver and all the rest of my lands and property to bee euqualy devided 
betwixt my two children R. Patterson 

Sept. 30th 1786 

I crossed the river last night in the rear of the bataUon about midnight 
all well we will start to morow I am now at the head of one of the best 
& most a grable regements that eaver crossed the ohio tacke beckeye & 
pegy in your arms and kiss them and tell them that it was for father. 

R P 

[Thanks of Virginia Legislature.] 
" In the House of Delegates, Monday the 23rd Nov. 1778. 
" Whereas authentic information has been received that Lieut. Col. George 
Rogers Clark wdth a body of Virginia MiUtia has reduced the British posts 
in the Western part of this Commonwealth, on the river Mississippi, and 
its branches, whereby great advantage may accrue to the common cause 
of America, as well as to this Commonwealth in particular. 

Resolved: — That the thanks of this house are justly due to the said 
Col. Clark and the brave officers and men under his command, for their 
extraordinary resolution and perseverance in so hazardous an enterprise, 
and for the important services thereby rendered their country." 

(Signed) E. Randolph, C.H.D. 

Virginia State Papers. 



THE PATTERSONS 397 

[From Mathias Denman to Robert Patterson.] 

"To Ciirnal Robert Patterson in Caintucky at lexiton (Sheet 87.) 

Springfield New Jersey P' Feb" 1789. 

My Dear Sir: I have taken this Opportunity to write to you informing 
you that I am well and hope you are in the same case. The board of 
Proprietors of the Miami lands have lately met, and have concluded that 
each Proprietor shall build a house of twenty Foot square in the proposed 
City, and two stories high, by the first of November next, or in the course 
of next Summer, and they have also impowered Judge Symmes to Lease 
to any Actual Resident every other Ten Acre lot for the term of Fourteen 
years at the Rate of Six pence per year for said Lots, an account of which 
it is very likely you will see soon after and perhaps before the Receit of 
this letter. — I have wrote to M''. Ludlow about the settlement of the 
Town at Licking River, for Particulars I refer you to his letter from me of 
the thirty first of January — I should wish you to pay the greatest atten- 
tion to the laying out of the Town at the mouth of Licking River and see 
that we have a good choice in the Lots, and if possible get the best and 
most pleasantly situated ones. — In case you should not see AP. Ludlows 
letter, I would wish you to have as many lots as you Judge necessary of 
about ten Acres each laid out back of the Town where you shall think 
proper and let any persons occupy the same for a number of years (Sup- 
pose twelve or Fourteen) on a small yearly Rent of about sixpense a lot, 
by which means we may likely have a considerable part of our lands 
cleared & improved. 

I have wrote to W. Ludlow concerning the land you purchased of me 
opposite Licking, and have drawn an Order on you to pay him the Ballance 
due me, which I hope will not be disagreeable to you, and which I doubt 
not you will settle with him, 

I am, with the greatest Respect, 

Dear Sir, your Most obed' Servant 

Mathias Denman. 

[Notice from the "Kcntuckc Gazette," Sep. 30, 17S9.] 

To All toWhome these presents shall come We Robert Patterson, Samuel 
Blair, John Coburn, Robert Barr, James Parker, Robert Parker and 
Samuel ilcMillion Gen' Trustees of the town of Lexington send Greeting. 
Know ye that Whereas the general Assembly of Virginia by an Act en- 
tituled, "An Act to establish a town at the Courthouse in the County of 
Fayette" passed the first day of July in the year of our Lord 1782, did 



398 APPENDIX 

vest in the original Trustees and their Successors a Certain tract of Land 
for the purpose of a town estabUshing the Same by the name of Lexing- 
ton. With power in the said Trustees or any four of them to convey 
to setters and purchasers the several Lots therein contained, In Com- 
plyance with the trust reposed in us and in order to carry the said Re- 
cited Act into execution, We the said Trustees do convey to the Reverend 
John Gano, Edw. Payne, Thomas Laws, William Payne, William Stone, 
Jun' and Elisha Winters, for the sole use of the Baptist Church holding 
the Doctrines and maintaining the discipline set forth in the Baptist con- 
fession of faith accepted by a number of Churches in London and the 
Country adjacent in the year 1643 and by the Baptist Association met 
in Philadelphia September the 25"" 1742 and in the year 1785 by the 
Ministers and Messengers of the several Churches in the District of Ken- 
tucky And in case of death removal or resignation of any of the aforesaid 
Trustees a Majority of those remaining shall & may appoint others to fill 
the Vacancies & so in Succession and the Trustees so appointed shall be 
vested with as full and Ampel power and Authority as the Original Trustees 
— Provided that always and forever hereafter the Trustees for the time 
being or a majority of them shall preserve the Premses hereafter Men- 
tioned to the Church Maintaining the Principles above Mentioned (Insert 
the boundaries &c here) Together with all ways Waters, Priveledges, 
advantages, & appurtenances of every nature thereunto belonging or in 
any wise appurtaining. To have and to hold the aforesaid Lot with its 
appurtenances to the said Trustees and their Successors for the intent 
& use before mentioned forever in as full and ample a manner as the same 
is vested in us. In Witness Whereof a majority of us the s"* Trustees 
of the town of Lexington have hereunto set our hands & seals this 29**" 
day of September 1789 

Rob' Patterson Ss 
Sam Blair Ss 
Rob' Pa— ss 
Sam*- M'^Million Ss 
A Copy Teste Ja* Parker Ss 

Tho Bodley D.C. of C Rob' Barr 



[7'^e Losaniiville Contract.] 

" Covenant and agreement made and concluded this twenty-fifth day 
of August, 1788, between Mathias Denman of Essex County, New Jersey 



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LAND PATENT SIGNED BY JAMES MADISON, PRESI- 
DENT OF THE UNITED STATES, TO ROBERT PAT- 
TERSON, CONVEYING HIS SHARE OF LAND UPON 
WHICH THE CITY OF CINCINNATI IS NOW BUILT 



THE PATTERSONS 399 

State, of the one part, and Robert Patterson and John Filson, in Fayette 
County, Kentucky, of the other part, 
Witnesseth : 

That the said Mathias Denman hav-ing made entry of a tract of 
land on the north-west side of the Ohio River opposite the mouth of 
the Licking River in that District in which Judge Symms has purchased 
from Congress, and having seized by rights of entry to attain 640 acres and 
the fractional part that may pertain, do grant, bargain and sell the full 
two-thirds thereof by an equal undivided right in partnership with the said 
Robert Patterson and John Filson, their heirs and assignes and upon pro- 
ducing indisputable testimony as to the said Denman's right and title to the 
said premises, they, the said Patterson and Filson, shall pay the sum of 
twenty pounds Virginia currency to the said Denman or his heirs or assignes, 
as full remittance for monies by him advanced in payment of said land, 
every other institution determination and regulation respecting the laying 
off of a town and establishing a ferry at and upon the premises to be the 
result of the united efforts and consent of the parties in covenant aforesaid : 

By these Presents, the parties bind themselves for the true performance 
of this covenant to each other in the penal sum of one thousand pounds 
apiece, and hereunto affix their hands and seals the day and year above 
written: Mathias Denman 



Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of 



Robert Patterson 
John Filson 

Henry Owen 
Abraham McConnell. 



APPEAL FOR TROOPS. 
(Virginia Calendar, Volume 3, page 301.) 

Lexington, Fayette Co., Septm 11th, 1782. 
Sir: The Officers, Civil as well as Mihtary, of this County, beg the 
attention of your Excellency & the H'ble Council. The number of the 
Enemy that lately penetrated into our County, their Behavior; adding 
to this our late unhappy defeat at the Blue Licks, fill us with the greatest 
concern and anxiety. The Loss of our worthy officers and Souldiers who 
fell there the 19th of August, we sensibly feel and deem our situation 
truly Alarming. We can scarcely behold a spot of Earth, but what re- 
minds us of the fall of some feUow adventurer massacred by Savage 
hands. Our number of miUtia decreases. Our widows & orphans are 



400 APPENDIX 

numerous, our officers and worthiest men fall a sacrifice. In short sir, 
our settlement, hitherto formed at the Expense of Treasure and much 
Blood seems to decline, & if something is not speedily done, we doubt 
will wholly be depopulated. The Executive we believe think often of U3 
& wish to protect us, but Sir, we believe any military operations that for 
18 months have been carried on in consequence of Orders from the Ex- 
ecutive, have rather been detrimental than Beneficial. Our Militia are 
called on to do duty in a manner that has a tendency to protect Jefferson 
County, or rather Louisville, a Town without inhabitants, a Fort situated 
in such a manner that the enemy coming with a design to lay waste our 
country, would scarcely come within one Hundred miles of it, & our own 
Frontiers open and unguarded. Our Inhabitants are discouraged. Tis 
now near two years since the division of the County and no Surveyor has 
ever appeared among us, but has by appointment from time to time de- 
ceived us. Our principal expectations of strength are from him. During 
his absence from the County Claimants of Land disappear, when if other- 
wise, they would be an additional strength. 

We entreat the Executive to examine into the Cause, and remove it 
speedily. If it is thought impracticable to carry the war into the Enemy's 
Country, we beg the plan of building a Garrison at the mouth of Lime- 
stone & another at the mouth of Licking formerly prescribed by your Ex- 
cellency, might be again adopted and performed. A Garrison at the 
mouth of Lime-stone, would be a landing place for adventurers from the 
Back parts of Pensy'va and Virg'a adjacent to a large Body of good Land 
which would be speedily settled — would be in the Enemy's principle 
crossing place, not more than fifty miles from Lexington our Largest 
settlement, it might readily be furnished with provision from above, till 
they would be supphes from our Settlements here. Major Netherland, 
we expect will deUver this. He will attend to give anj' particular informa- 
tion that may be deemed necessary. 

Humanity towards Inhabitants destitute of Hopes of any other aid, will 
surely induce your Excellency to spare from the interior parts of the State 
200 men, and a few pieces of Artillery for those purposes above mentioned. 
We are Sir, yr. Excellency's mo't. Ob't. & 
vy; H'ble Ser'nts 

D.wiEL Boone, Eli Cleveland, 
Levi Todd, Wm. Henderson, 

R. Patterson, John Craig, 
B. Netherland, Wm. McCoxxell, 



THE PATTERSONS 401 

COMMISSION. 

In the Name and by the Authority of the Commonwealth of Ken- 
tucky. 

JAMES GARRARD, 

Governor of The Said Commonwealth, To All Who Shall See These 
Presents, Greeting: — 

Know Ye, That reposing especial trust and confidence in the integrity, 
dihgence and ability of 

ROBERT PATTERSON 

I have nominated and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate 
do appoint him a Justice of the Court of Quarter Session in the county of 
Fayette with full power and authority to execute and fulfil the duties of 
the said office, according to law; and TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the 
same, with ail the rights and emoluments thereunto legally appertaining, 
during good behaviour. 

In Testimony whereof, I have caused these letters to be made patent 
and the seal of the Commonwealth to be hereunto affixed. 
Given under my hand at Frankfort, on the 19th day of Dec'r. in the 
year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred. 

JAMES GARRARD 

By the Governor. 

Harry Toulmin, Secretary. 

[Contract of sale of Robert Patterson's undivided one third of the site of 
Cincinnati. {Copied from Hamilton Co. records).] 
" Know all men by these presents that I, Samuel Freeman of Hamilton 
County, Northwestern Territory, am held and firmly bound unto Robert 
Patterson of Fayette County, liis heirs etc., in the full sum of two thousand 
pounds Virginia Currency, for the payment whereof well and truly to be 
made and done to him, the said Robert Patterson his heirs etc., I bind 
myself my heirs etc. firmly by these presents, as witness my hand and 
seal this 26th day of November in the year of our Lord 1794. 

The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas the above 
bound Samuel Freeman has purchased of the said Robert Patterson all his 
right, title and interest of and unto a certain covenant and agreement 
concerning that fraction and section of land whereon the town of Cincinnati ; 



402 APPENDIX 

Northwest of the Ohio River now stands, which covenant and agreement; 
Mathias Denman, Robert Patterson and John Filson are partners in 
common tenentry, and of which covenant and agreement the said Robert 
Patterson has made an assignment over to the said Samuel Freeman. 
Now if the said Samuel Freeman do make and convey as good, ample and 
sufficient title to all such lots as he the said Patterson has or may have 
sold to the respective purchasers, and if he pay over or cause to be paid to 
said Patterson eight dollars in silver for each and every acre of land to 
him, the said Freeman sold and bj' virtue of the aforesaid covenant and 
agreement accruing, to be paid in two payments (viz one hundred and 
twenty pounds on the first of April next, and the residue on the 1st of 
Dec. next following, then this obUgation to be null &c. 

Samuel Freehl^n [seal] 
Nov. 26, 1794. Robert Patterson [seal] 

Test 
Israel I.udlow 
Thos Freeman 
Reed. 29th Dec. (1811) 



[Will oj Francis Patterson {Father of Col. Robert of Lexington).] 
[From Burnt Record, Vol. 6, p. 46.] 

Lexington Court House Records 1801 
April Court 1801. 

" I Francis Patterson Sen' considering the un(cert)anity of this mortal 
life, and being of sound m(ind) and memory, blessed be Almight God for it 
(do) make and pubhsh this my last wall and te(stament, in) manner and 

form following to wit. I g(ive and bequeath) unto my 

loving w-ife Katree(n) and comfortable 

living out of my rea(l estate and move)able property to be continued to her 

un discretion of my executors, and bequeath to 

my daug(hter) 



to. 

(dau)ghter) Mary Ewing one 

rty to be valued by her my 

do hereby constitute and appoint . . 



THE PATTERSONS 403 

Robert Patterson my sole executors of (this my last will) and testament, as 

witness my hand (this (o)f July 180(1) 

Francis Patterson. 
Signed and sealed in presence of 

Parke 

(John Jo)hnson 
(Robert Pat)terson 
(F)ayette County June Court 1801. 

The last will and testament of Francis P(atterson Senr) (was pro)duced 

in court and proved by the oath (of . ) 

Parke and John Johnson, subscrib(ing) (witnesses) and ordered to be 
recorded. 

Teste Levi T(odd) 

Page 48 contains what is left of the inventory of the estate of Francis, 
Sr. as follows : 

grid iron 

Pewter 53 lbs. $3 

and sifter 

tongs 

ing irons 

ackle and stillyards 1 4 

gun and two candlesticks 3 4 

ss iron and glass do 1 10 

(c)offee mill and tinns II 

cupboard and chest 4 1 

(c)andle stand and table 1 9 

(s)pinning wheel and cradle 1 2 

chairs 1 

(one g)old watch 12 

man's saddle 3 

do 1 

pistols and sword 1 

(1 mucket) and bayonet 1 

gs and waiter 

(fur)niture 

[Orders to Scout and Patrol the Country.] 
"To Captain Robert Patterson: 

"Sir: — The fourth part of the militia of Fayette county are hereby 



404 APPENDIX 

ordered on duty, to rendezvous at Lexington on the 10th instant, of which 
you will take command. 

" You will have under you one Lieutenant, one Ensign, three Sergeants, 
one Commissary, and as much ammunition as can be spared, or you may 
stand in need of; march immediately to the mouth of the Kentucky River, 
there to act in conjunction with the conmianding officer of a row boat to be 
sent by Gcn'l George Rogers Clark from Louisville. The boat will Ukely be 
commanded by a regular officer of as high a grade as yourself; in that case 
you will report yourself and company to him, and be under his command; 
but if commanded by a miUtia Captain, then you must command. 

"I need not advise you to take care of yourself and men, and guard 
against surprise. 

"You are to be thirty days on duty, and will be furnished by your 
hunters. The Commissary's receipt will entitle them to pay. " 

John Todd. 

[Dr. Jno. Goodlet at Bardstown, Kij., January 19, to Col. Robert 
Patterson, near Dayton, Ohio.] 
Honored Father: Your favor of the 10th iust, by Jefferson, we received 
with much pleasure. We were glad to hear from you and very much 
pleased to see Jefferson. I knew him as soon as I saw him, altho' he denied 
his name to be Jefferson. I hope to be able to make him a good Federalist. 
He is really a sweet boy. I shall delight in attending to his Education. 
So soon as Mr. Chenault takes in school, I shall enter him and Edmond 
Anderson whose Education I have the management of and who is to 
commence the study of Medicine with me so soon as he is qualifyed. He 
is of respectable and wealthy Parents of this County and will be, I hope, an 
agreeable companion for Jefferson. 

On the 27th, my Dear Rebecca brought me another fine Daughter. 
They are both well. Fanny Maria, Elizabeth and Rebecca are well. 
They are all delighted with their Uttle Uncle, as they call Jefferson. I 
shall be glad to hear frequently from you. Jefferson vnW likewise be 
pleased and edifyed by receiving a letter frequently from you. I intend 
him to write you shortly. It will be a great pleasure to Rebecca and my- 
self to have the society of Jefferson while getting his Education. Rest 
assured, I will spare no pains in attending to his improvement. He seems 
quite delighted with the prospect of getting an education. We have much 
sickness in this county this winter. Rebecca sends her love. 
Your ever dutiful. 
31 Dec. 1813. J. Goodlet. 




^- p 



ROBERT PATTERSON S CERTIFICATE OF APPOINT- 
MENT AS CAPTAIN JS THE SIXTY-FIRST REGIMENT, 
O.V.I. 



THE PATTERSONS 405 

[Composition by Jane Patterson, Sept. Qth, aged 9, on the Excellence 
of Christian Religion.] 

Is it bigotry to believe the sublime truths of the gospel, with full assur- 
ance of faith? I glory in such bigotry. I would not part with it for a 
thousand worlds. I congratulate the man who is possessed of it, for, 
amidst all the vicissitudes and calamities of the present state, than man 
enjoys an inexhaustible fund of consolation, of which it is not in the power 
of fortune to deprive him. There is not a book on earth so favorable to all 
the kind and all the sublime affections; or so unfriendly to hatred and 
persecution, to tyranny, to injustice and every sort of malevolence as the 
gospel. It breathes nothing throughout but mercy, benevolence and 
peace. 

Very well, Jarte. (from the teacher) 



[From Dr. Goodlet at Lexington to Col. Robert Patterson, near Dayton, 
Ohio.] 

Honored Father: It has been a very long time since we had the pleasure 
of receiving a letter from you, but Jefferson received a very affectionate one 
from Sister Brown, in which she stated you were all well. We had it in 
contemplation to visit you this Spring, but there is still prevaiUng here an 
epidemic which rages with considerable violence, and keeps me very busy. 
I have now three students neither of whom are capable of entirely taking 
the management of the shop. I expect by Fall the oldest one will be able 
to take the practice considerably off my hands and, if nothing intervenes 
to prevent we intend paying you a visit, but cannot say certainly. Jeffer- 
son is a very studious and a very sweet, affectionate boy. I think he 
progresses very well. He has written you two or three times, but owing 
to some little inaccuracies in spelling he did not send them. I hope you 
will not be displeased with his apparent negUgence. It is not for the 
want of affection. Fanny Maria and EUzabeth go constantly to school. 
They are both reading. Fanny Maria is writing and will soon be able 
to send her Grand Pa a letter. Rebecca goes constantly to school. I 
bought her a new book. She is much pleased with learning. We shall 
be glad to hear more frequently from you and should you visit Kentucky 
this summer, we hope you will do us the pleasure of spending a few days 
with us. 

There appears very Uttle doing at present in the War Department, 
but what is doing by General Jackson and his brave band. They are 



406 APPENDIX 

destroying; and drivin"; all before them. We have heard nothing from 
Harrison lately. My dear Rebecca enjoys perfect health. Religion is 
her sweet delight. She enjoys the society of her Bible. She says she 
never knew what real pleasure was until she was made acquainted with 
her Savior. She has joined the Presbyterian Church here. 

Believe us your ever dutiful children, 

J. GOODLET. 

[Henry Clay's Letter concerning Robert Patterson's Pension.] 

Col. Robert Patterson, 

near Dayton, Ohio. 

Washington, 21, Dec. 1819. 
D. Col. — I have received and presented to the House, your petition 
for arrears of pension. I cannot hazard an opinion as to the result of it. 
The state of the Treasury and other circumstances, however, miUtate 
against all such apphcations. I can only, so far as concerns myself, 
repeat the assurance of my favorable opinion of you, and the high estimate 
I have always put upon your merits and services. 
With great respect, 

I am faithf'y yrs., 

H. Clay. 
Col. Robert Patterson. 

[Robert Patterson's Petition to Congress for a Pension.] 

State of Kentucky Fay'att County. 

In pursuance of an order to me directed by the Hono. Harry Innis 
Juge in and for the district of Kentucky I have caused to come before 
me the persons whose names and affidavits are hereto annexed on the 6th 
day of July in the year 1811 to testify on oath of & concerning a wound, 
received by Robert Patterson acting as Col. commanding a regiment of 
militia, of the county of Fayette in the month of november in the year 
1786 against the shawanee Indians at a town situated on made river now 
in the State of Ohio. 

The said Robert Patterson being first sworn deposeth, that by reason 
of the wound which he received on the day of november in the year 1786, 
on made river whilst acting as Col. commanding a regiment of mihtia 
agt. the shawnee Indians under the command of Col. Benjamin Logan, 
said Roberts arm has ever since continued disabled, which has disquahfied 
him for bodily laborer, that his arm Continues Crooked and stiff and is 



THE PATTERSONS 407 

so much affected that it is with difficulty said Robert can write his name. 
That ever since the period when said wound was received said Robert 
lived near the town of Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky, until April 
1804 — when, by reason of his having involved himself and his estate by 
having unfortunately become the security of one John Arthur — Collector 
of the pubHck revinue who has become ensolvent; and for whom said 
Robert may have a large sum of money to pay. said Robert migrated 
to the County of montgomery in the state of ohio where he has Continued 
since, and resides at this time; leaving his farm unsold at Lexington to 
indemnify the government for Arthurs debts in Case the said Robert 
should become ultimately hable — intending to obtain a tract of land and 
open a farm in that new Country where land was Cheaper. But owing 
to said Roberts disabled arm, and not having means to obtain a sufficiency 
of labourers he has not prospered equal to his expection ; and he has had 
it in Contemplation to return to Lexington if any remnant of his property 
should remain after being reUeved from the hen held thereon by govern- 
ment, said Robert further deposeth, that heretofore he did not claim a 
Pension of government because flattured himself he could subsist Comfort- 
ably without burthining his country; But now liis difficulties and informi- 
ties are increasing on him and his family is numirous and mostly females 
he consieves it his duty to himself and family to request that aid of his 
Country to which he is loyally entitled, and that he is not on any state 
Pension list nor has he ever received a pension 

R. Patterson 



[Fro7n Catherine Patterson, visiting in Lexington (aged thirteen), to her 
father, Colonel Robert Patterson at Dayton.] 

June the 22 1806. 
Honard Parent: I gladly embrace this opportunity of writing to you 
by Sister Margaret who starts on monday next Ma had some thots of going 
over with Mr. Henderson but I beheve she has given it ought I want to gow 
over very much to see you and Sister EUza but I suppose as Ma has given 
ought going there is know way for me to gow over this spring you was 
criticieing on my bade spelhng but Pa I hope you will excuse that one 
word for it was very late in the knight when I wrote it. Pa I was very 
much frightened last knight sum person came to the dore and knocked 
several times and pushed it open I got up and shut it after that soon she 
heard them knock several times and they pushed it open she did not waken 
me up in the morning Ma was telling Hariate and jain a baught it — law 



408 APPENDIX 

Ma sais Hariate if I hade of heard it I would have run under the heed I 
loock for Sister goodlet heare son ma went to town this morning and has 
not come back yet Pa i want to know if you have sold your share in the 
library* if you have not I wish to get some books from there Beheve me 
to be your Dutiful Child 
Robert Patterson Catherine Patterson. 



[Letter to Mrs. Elizabeth Patterson, visiting in Lexington, from her 
granddavghier, Mary Eliza Whicher.] 

Dayton, 28th Jan'y, 1831. 

My Dear Grand Mother: It was a maxim of some reputed wise man 
that "when you have nothing to say, say nothing," but this ridiculous 
law I believe is regarded by very few. Were this mandate equally directed 
to writing nothing, under those circumstances, I could with safety rely 
upon my innocence for an acquittal before any tribunal, — I have never 
written because I have had nothing to write. 

I was much pleased the other day with a favor of perusing a letter 
from Eliza Jane to Aunt Irvine, but was sorry to hear of your bad health. 
She says you are desirous to know what we are all about here and that you 
wish Robert to write. You might as well have asked me to write for every 
body knows that he haveing nothing to write, writes nothing. He says he 
wishes me to write just a Une or so now and he will write next week, but 
this, like most other of his resolutions (such as quitting the use of tobacco, 
etc.) will, in the end, amount to nothing. Our cold weather here seems 
to have operated as a dead set against all ideas of leaving the chimney 
corner for friend or foe, at home or abroad. Every day presents the same 
dull routine of turning one side to the fire while the other freezes, shutting 
the door to keep the cold out and opening the door to let the smoke out — 
going to bed with frozen heels and getting up vnXh. frozen toes. All the 
work that is done during the day amounts to nothing. Our frozen ideas 
no more extend to Kentucky than nothing at all. It being too cold to-day 
to get dinner and being for once seated by a good fire in a warm room, I 
am trying with my hand to squeeze something from my brain that will 
remind you of Rubicon and its concerns, but have got nearly to the end 
of my sheet and have as yet communicated nothing. 

A search warrant was issued against John Rose a few days ago when 
more than a cart load of things were found which had more than twenty 



*The Transylvania library, of which R. P. was trustee. 



THE PATTERSONS 409 

owners. I believe he had everything but geese. Amongst other things, 
they found Jefferson's great coat and a small piece of Irish Unen of yours. 
Scarcely a woman in the neighborhood but claimed a shift or two that was 
found in and about his house and I dare say he has some of yours. He 
confessed everything and is now in jail and his sister is jailer. 

Uncle Robert, about two weeks ago, took it into his head to visit 
Franklin in a sleigh. He took in me and the children and Mr. W. and Cloe 
were to stay at home to keep house; but just as we started, Mr. W. jumped 
in, rode down to Hole's Creek and then we all turned back. The weather 
was cold enough but the snow was hardly deep enough. We came back 
on the tow path. We got a jumper made the next day, when Mr. W., 
the children and myself went down and made a visit of three or four days. 
Patterson is still there. Uncle Robert is now waiting for Uncle Jefferson 
to come home from Springfield with the sleigh, to go down and bring Ma. 
and Col. Caldwell up. He wll probably go down to-morrow morning. 
I know nothing of things at Rubicon, but Uncle Jeff goes out every day 
or two or see to things and says the stock looks very well. They have their 
patent bed stead here and one of them sleeps here every night, except on 
some occasions when Jefferson does not return from Rubicon until the next 
morning. It is said he has found a near cut to Rubicon. I do not know 
how it is but I beUeve he almost always goes and returns by the way of 
John H. Wilhams'. 

No news has been received from the Enghsh pedlar. Cousin Patterson 
Brown is yet at home and in no business that I know of. Uncle Robert's 
rheumatism I believe is leaving him slowly tho' his general health is not 
much improved. Our httle Harriet Lindsay is as robust and hearty as a 
young Dutchman. She walks and almost talks, is very good natured. 
Barr is very lonesome since Patterson went to Franklin. I am in hopes 
that a few weeks separation will be of service to them both for their anticks 
and gambols are sometimes attended with a most intolerable noise, and 
they not unfrequently lead each other into mischief. 

If you should dispute my having written this letter myself, I suppose 
I shall have to prove it which I can do by Mr. Whicher. At any rate 
he will swear that I had as much hand in writing it as I had in dictating it 
If I find I am run too close in the affair, there is one come-off which will 
avail me and that is, we are both one and it is no odds whose name is 
signed at the bottom. Mr. W. is responsible for the truth of all that 
purports to be true in this letter and joins me in expressions of love to you 
and yours, 

Mary Eliza Whicher. 



410 APPENDIX 

[Fro7n Jefferson Patterson, aged 13 {at school in Bardstown, Ky.), to his 
father, Col. Robert Patterson.] 
Honored Father: I hope you will forgive me for not sending you a 
letter before this. I wrote two or three but Doctor Goodlet saw some 
imperfect ones in all and requested me to correct them least you should 
suppose me either a bad speller or a sluven. I now intend to be very 
careful and at any rate I will send tlus hoping you will make all necessary 
allowance. It is now a long time since we had a letter from you. Dr. 
Goodlet goes for letters but none from you. My Dear Sister Brown has 
written to me and I thank her for her good advice. I will try and write 
to her by the next mail. Corn is fifty cents a bushel. Flower is seven 
dollars a barrel. It is a very wet spring. It has bin verry sickly. Thay 
war taken with a pain in their side and hed. Dr. Goodlet has bin very 
successful in the complaint. I am now at this time reding and writing 
and Cyphering. I have brought me a bench to wright on. I go to school 
every day. We have had peas and lamb since last Wednesday week. 
Doctor Goodlet's Garden is very florisliing. Sister Goodlet has a great 
deal of Company. Dr. Goodlet talks of riding over this fall. Please give 
my love to Ma, Sisters Welch, Nisbet, Brown, Jane and Harriet and 
Robert, Francis, James and Abraham. 

BeUeve me your loving son, 

Jefferson Patterson. 

June 8th, 1814. Ano Domini. 

[Mrs. Rebecca Goodlet to Mrs. Elizabeth Patterson, Dayton, Ohio.] 

Cedar Hill, Bardstown, Ky. 1 Dec. 1831. 
Honored Mother: We have received two letters from Dayton since 
you arrived there, one from Brother Jefferson and the other from our Dear 
Margaret, which gave us very great satisfaction. How Providential the 
weather; what a blessing that you should enjoy better health on the road 
and travelling than while at our house, but fair weather and exercise 
agreed with you better than confinement. We hope, if the weather will 
permit, you will continue to exercise and benefit by it. Please remind 
Margaret frequently of writing to us. It will afford us great satisfaction 
to hear frequently from you and it will improve Margaret and hkewise 
endear her to us. She will write at least once every two weeks. I shall 
think the money well laid out in Postage, besides the gratification of hearing 
from you. Rebecca is still with us, but calculates on changing her name 
and making a visit to Danville about the 21st inst. It is my wish for 



411 



iuce continually. 
ooD>istent with- Dut; . 
.ted him from answc 
Air. ' 1' "diet and mysi" 
■ I i,nd heard the young : 

than pU^'isea. \ ov, <: ' I 

herself wth $n'eat credit r vcrr far suriiassed 




.^ -' t^ 



THE PATTERSONS 411 

them to visit Dayton as soon as circumstances will permit, and settle 
there or in that section of country. We had an alarm some weeks since, 
in this and the neighboring countries relative to the blacks. I did not 
myself apprehend any danger. Of course, I did not suffer; but some of 
our slave-holders have determined to seek a Free State. There can be 
no doubt but plans were talked of but none matured. Yet such is the 
spirit of the times. I beUeve they will not be quiet long at a time, and 
if the Government will not do anything towards a gradual Emancipation , 
every slave state may expect disturbance continually. I will, for one, 
leave Kentucky as soon as I can, consistent with Duty. Brother Jeffer- 
son's business, I suppose, prevented him from answering my letter as 
fully as was expected. Mr. Goodlet and myself attended Mrs. McReynolds 
school on Friday last and heard the young ladies recite. We were more 

than pleased. Your Daughter, Catherine, acquitted 

herself with great credit; very far surpassed our expectation, — Geography, 
Grammar, Rhetoric, etc. etc. It is one of the best conducted schools 
and equally learned in the West. 

Please tell Margaret her Dear Brother, John Adam, sat by me untill 
he fell asleep. He told me to write to her that liis Papa had gotten 
him two suits since she went away and she must kiss her grandma for him. 

Please remember us affectionately to all of our relatives and friends. 
I thank Mr. Whicher for his last letter. I should have acknowledged it 
before this, but was in hopes he would write again after visiting the other 

side of the river. 

Your Son & Daughter, 

J. P. Goodlet. 

[From Henry L. Brown to Mrs. Elizabeth Patterson {at the Goodlets, 
Bardstown, Kentucky).'] 

Dayton, 2nd Sept. 1831. 

Dear Grandma: This is the first letter I have written to any person 
whatever excepting to Mother while at Lexington and then to her, but 
one or two I do not know which; therefore you must excuse me for the 
past but for the future, I will expect no excuse for not writing to you if 
it is but two lines to let you know how we are in Dayton. I expect you 
have already heard from us since mother returned. However, I will 
write to you oftener after this. I expect to go to Oxford in two months 
which will be the next session You will wonder at this my notion because 
I have always opposed to going to College whenever it was mentioned, 
but my dear Grandma I have arrived at the time that I see the want of 



412 APPENDIX 

an English Education. You need not tliinlc tliat I am going to Oxford to 
spend my time for five or seven years in procuring the Icnowledge of the 
languages which I think are a mere nothing, the time consumed in getting 
them that is, for a person who does not intend to be a professional char- 
acter. Mr. Bostwick, the gentleman with whom I have been staying with 
for the last two years, wishes me to stay with him longer, but I have thought 
that it would be to my advantage hereafter, which you very well know. 
I could get a situation in two of the largest stores in town. This I tell 
you to let yovi know that I am not as far gone as I was thought to be two or 
three years ago (in idleness) , but grandma you never thought me so. H. L. B. 

Mother received a letter from Eliza Jane a few days ago stating that 
they were all well and in fine spirits; also, that cousin Ehzabeth came to 
Mr. Wards and invited her to go and spend the evening with them. She 
went and stayed over night, which I was glad to hear. 

There is a Presbyterian Camp Meeting now somewhere near Oxford. 
Mother, Mrs. Pearce and Mrs. Hildreth started to go to it and got as far 
as Franklin yesterday, and after they arrived there, it began to rain very 
hard and continued to rain for three hours very fast indeed, which put 
them out of the notion of going (which was a wise plan) and came back 
to-day in good health. 

Asa Stoddard comes to see us oftener than he used to do and is growing 
very fast. 

Uncle Robert is not so lame as he has been but is very lame yet. I 
suppose you have heard of Uncle Jefferson's departure for the East about 
three weeks since. Have ijot heard from him. 

I have the honour of communicating to you the unexpected news of 
Margaret Patton's (the Daughter of Mr. Mathew and Mrs. Patton) marriage 
to one Mr. Douglas, the Captain of a Canal Packet Boat, more particularly 
on this account. Miss Margaret went out in the evening to take a walk, 
as she said; but she did not go out for that purpose, but she went out for 
the express purpose of getting married, which she did do without letting 
her parents know anything about the transaction at all. She was married 
at one of the Hotels in town. You will think it very strange that such 
is the case, but it is the fact. It seems that her father had refused to let 
them marry after having them insist on the match, but the knot was so 
far tied that he could not untie it. 

I understand that he is so much vexed that he will not let them enter 
into the house when they come back. They started for Cincinnati the 
next morning after they were married without seeing her father. Some 
think she has done very well. 



THE PATTERSONS 413 

The particular way in whicii Miss Patton was married is the reason 
of my speaking so much about it. 

Henry Lindsay Brown. 

The New Light Congregation had a very large meeting last week in 
Dayton. 

[Catherine B. Goodlet, Bardstown, Ky., to Mr. Francis Patterson, 
Lexington.] 

Bardstown, Ky. July 7, 1831 

Dear Uncle: Grandmamma received a letter from Uncle Jefferson the 
29th day of June, in which he said that they were all well but that the 
smallpox had excited great alarm in Dayton. I have been waiting ever 
since you started to Lexington for a letter, but have been disappointed. 
The examinations commenced the last Thursday in June and lasted untill 
Friday evening. As the most interesting branches were attended to on 
Friday, the most of persons did not come until evening to hear the composi- 
tions, the Philosophy and Rhetoric classes. The teachers and scholars 
were commended very much by the public. A piece was pubhshed in 
the next paper that there was great silence preserved during the examina- 
tion. Papa, Mamma and sister Ehzabeth and Margaret were there. 
They said they heard the other girls in our Philosophy class but they 
could not hear me, though I am sure I spoke loud enough. 

The Fourth of July was celebrated in Bardstown. As Mrs. McReynolds 
did not publish that their was hoUowday, we came to school on Monday. 
She taught from seven untill ten. The most of the scholars then went 
out to hear the speeches. We started to the college but we met them 
coming away. We then went to the Court House and heard an excellent 
speech from a Mr. McGill. Every person that I heard speak of liim, 
praised him. I came from home yesterday but as it rained yesterday I 
did not return. I, therefore, expect to go home this evening and then 
tell you how they all are. Grandmamma told me to tell you that she was 
very anxious about you and that you must write to us directly how you 
and cousin Catherine arrived at home; how you. Uncle, Aunt, cousins 
Eliza Jane and Jane and Ehzabeth are? Grandmamma says you must 
particularly about Uttle William is? Grandmamma is better than she 
was yesterday. We are all well. Grandmamma, Papa, Mama and sisters 
join with me in sending their love to you. 
Uncle, Aunt and cousins. 

Your affectionate niece, 

Catherine B. Goodlet. 



414 APPENDIX 

[Copy of portion of record showing transfer of Patterson propcrlij to the 
Shakers.'] 

" Your orators would also represent that John Austou and Amos Vol- 
untine, (the grantors in the first above deed referred to) on the 22nd day 
of July 1813 conveyed in fee the above described land to Peter Pease, John 
Wallace and Nathan Sharp, Deacons or trustees of the church or commu- 
nity of BeUevers, (Otherwise called Shakers), at Union Village in the 
Township of Turtle Creek, in the County of Warren and State of Ohio, 
for and in consideration of the sum of $956, and which said deed is 
hereto annexed marked "B," to which your orators refer as a part of 
their complaint. 

As your orators would further also represent that George Patterson, 
the heir at law of John Patterson, the grantor to Auston and \'oluntine, 
instituted an action of ejectment in the court of common Pleas for Mont- 
gomery County, Ohio, in the name of John Doe on the demise of George 
Patterson, against Richard Roe, defendant, to which declaration in eject- 
ment the said Pease, Wallace, and Sharp were made defendants in the 
place of said Roe, and who entered into the common consent. And your 
orators would also state that said action of ejectment was finally heard 
and decided by the Supreme Court in bank at Columbus, during the 
December term, 1831, that said court in bank found the law arising upon 
the facts agreed upon between the parties in said action of ejectment 
was with the plaintiff, and further found the said defendants guilty of the 
trespass and ejectment, whereof the said plaintiff had complained against 
them and assessed the damages of the plaintiff by him thereof sustained 
at six cents." 

The first deed of John Patterson & Phoebe Patterson, his wife, was 
entered for record August 27, 1811 Book B. No. 1. pages 434 & 435, 
David Reid, Recorder. Witnessed by Benjamin Van Cleve. 

The 2nd deed recorded July 30, 1813 in Book C, pages 153 & 154. 
Joseph H. Crane, recorder Montgomery Co. 

This indenture made the Twenty Seventh day of August in the year 
of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eleven between John Patterson 
and Phebe Patterson his wife of Montgomery County in the State of Ohio 
of the one part witnesseth that the said John Patterson and Phebe Patter- 
son for and in consideration of the sum of nine hundred and fifty six 
dollars and fifty cents lawfull money of the United States to them in hand 
well and truly paid by the said John Auston and Amos Valentine the 
recipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have. Granted, Bargained, Sold, 



THE PATTERSONS 415 

Conveyed and Confirmed and by these presents do Grant, Bargain, Sell, 
Convey and Confirm unto Said John Auston and Amos Valentine and 
their heirs and assigns forever all that tract or parcel of land known by 
its description in the Surveyor Generals and land offices of the United 
States as the South East quarter of Section fourteen in the Second Town- 
ship and Seventh entire range between the Miami River containing agree- 
ably to the returns in the Surveyors office one hundred and fifty nine acres 
and forty hundreths lying within the county of Montgomery aforesaid 
and all the estate Right Title Interest Claim and demands of them the 
said John Patterson and Phebe Patterson of in and to the said premises 
hereby granted, and every part thereof together with all and singular the 
rights numbers, privileges and appurtenances to the same belonging or 
in any way appertaining and the rents, issues and proffits thereof, to have 
and to hold the said quarter section, hereby Bargained and Sold or meant 
or intended so to be with the appurtenances to the only proper use and 
behalf of the said John Auston and Amos Valentine and their heirs and 
assigns forever, and the said John Patterson and Phebe Patterson for 
themselves and their heirs, executors and administrator do covenant and 
agree to an with the said John Auston and Amos Valentine and their 
executor, administrator and assigns that they are the true and lawful 
owners of the premises hereby granted and have good rightfuU power and 
authority to Sell & Convey the same in manner and form aforesaid and 
further that they the said John Patterson and Phebe Patterson and their 
heirs, executors and administrators will warrant and forever defend the 
aforesaid premises with their appurtenances and every part and parcel 
thereof unto the said John Auston and Amos Valentine and their heirs 
and assigns all persons claiming or to claim from or under them or any 
of them or by from or under any other person or persons whomsoever. 
In Wittness whereof the said John Patterson and Phebe Patterson have 
hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written. 
Sealed and dehvered in the 
Presence of B. Van Cleve. 

John Patterson 
her 

Phebe Patterson 
Mark. 

The State of Ohio Montgomery County 

Seal before me Christopher Curtner one of the Justices assigned to 

keep the peace for and within the county aforesaid came John Patterson 



416 APPENDIX 

and Phebe Patterson his wife (The said Phebe being examined separately, 
secretly and apart from her husband and declaring herself under no 
coercion or compulsion) did acknowledge the above instrument to be their 
volumtary act and deed for the uses and purposes therein contained, 
Given under my hand and seal the Twenty Seventh day of August one 
thousand eight hundred and eleven. 

Christopher Curtner, 
J. P. 

[Robert Patterson' s Commission as Forage Master in War oj 1812.] 

Instructions from Col. J. Morrison. 
R. Patterson's Com. from 
J. Morrison. 
F. M. General. 

The bearer hereof, Col. Robert Patterson, is appointed Forage Master 
General for the Left Wing of the Army, and he is to be known and respected 
as such. He is to have the sole direction of purchasing and forwarding 
forage; and to have the entire direction of transporting all pubhc stores 
belonging to the quarter Master Department, from Cincinnati to St. 
Mary's, and on to the Rapids; should he think it necessary for the pubUc 
interest (to act on the line in advance of St. Mary's.) All Wagon Masters, 
Forage Masters, Packhorse Masters and hands are to receive their orders 
from him; and he has full power to displace all those who, in liis judge- 
ment, are remiss in their duty and to appoint others in their place, which 
appointments will be confirmed by me. 

Given under my hand and seal this 1 1th day of Nov. 1812. 

J.\MEs Morrison [seal] 
D. Q. xM. Gen'l. 

[Cop^' of Will oj Col. Robert Patterson.] 

In the name of God, Amen, I, Robert Patterson, of Montgomery 
County and State of Ohio, being sick and in a low condition, but of a 
sound mind and memory (as I trust) to make a disposition of my property, 
do make the following my last will and testament, hereby revoking and 
annulling all former wills by me made. 

Firstly: It is my will that my Executors hereinafter named pay all 
my just and lawful debts out of the fund which 1 shall ajjpropriate for 
that purpose. 



JEFFKRSON P.VTTER.SOx's CKRTIFICATE OF MKM- 
UKRSHIP IX THE CIXCIXNATI PinNEKR ASSOCIA- 
TION 



THE PATTERSONS 417 

Secondly: I give to my beloved wife, Elizabeth Patterson, all my 
household and kitchen furniture, also my sleigh, carriage and harness, 
and one cow, her choice of my flock and cattle, together with her dower 
in all my property: it is further my will that my Executors furnish her 
with a good horse, such a one as will suit her purpose during her natural 
hfe. 

Thirdly : I give and bequeath to my sons Robert and Jefferson Patter- 
son, five hundred and ninty acres of land, be the same more or less as 
follows: — It being parts of Section Two, of Township one, of Range seven, 
and Section thirty-two, of Township two, of Range seven, beginning on the 
Miami at the north-west corner of Fraction two, of Range seven, of Town- 
ship one, between the Miamis, thence east with the section line to the 
north-west corner of the land belonging to the heirs of Henry Brown, 
thence southwardly along the west line of said heirs' land, to the south- 
west corner of said heirs' land, thence east with the south line of said heirs' 
land, to the south-east corner of said heirs' land, thence south through the 
middle of Section Thirty-two, of Township two, of Range seven, to the 
South boundary of said section, thence west with the section line to the 
south-west corner of Section Thirty-two, of Range seven, of Township 
two, thence north to the north-east corner of Jesse Hunt's land, thence 
west with the said Jesse Hunt's land to the Miami River, thence with the 
river to the place of beginning, with all the appertenances thereunto be- 
longing: and I further give to my sons, Robert and Jefferson Patterson, 
my wagon, cart and timber wheels, one yoke of oxen, two horses, two 
cows, together with all my farming utentials and all my mechanical tools. 

Fourthly: I give and bequeath to my son Francis Patterson, the 
south-east quarter of Section Thirty-two, of Range seven, of Townsliip 
two : this quarter section I give him provided he give my Exectors a credit 
of Eight hundred Dollars to be applied to the payment of the money which 
I stand indebted to him, but if the said Francis should refuse to give said 
credit, then in that case, it is my will that my Exectors sell the above 
mentioned quarter section and pay the said Francis Five Hundred Dollars, 
and in either case, I wish it to be understood that this in addition to what 
he has already received is in full of his legacy. 

Fifthly: I give and bequeath to my sons-in-law, John Goodlet, James 
I. Nesbit, John Steele, Henry Stoddard and Andrew Irwin, to each. Fifty 
Dollars, to be paid out of the moneys hereinafter appropriated for that use. 

Sixthly : I give and bequeath to my daughter Catherine's children, 
the east half of the north-east quarter of Section thirty-two, of Range 
seven, of Township two, also one hundred acres of land on the west side 



418 APPENDIX 

of the Miami River lying and being in Fractions three and four of Township 
one, of Range six, it being the land which I purchased of Henry Brown, 
but whereas, there is an unsettled account between me and the Executors 
of the estate of Henry Brown's now I wish it understood that I give the 
above discribed land on condition that should it so happen, that I should, 
on settlement, fall in debt to the estate of Henry Brown, then in that case, 
whatever the sum may be due from me to the said estate, I consider the 
above discribed land as the payment in full of said debt: and also I give 
to the children of my daughter Catherine, the sum of Five Hundred Dollars 
to be paid out of the money hereafter to be appropriated for that purpose, 
which will be in full of my daughter Catherine's legacy. 

Seventhly: I give to my grandson, Asa Stoddard, son of my daughter 
Harriet, fifty acres of land lying in the south-west corner of Section six, 
of Township one, of Range six, Ijnng south of an adjoining the land which 
I sold to Nathan Worley: also one cow. 

Eighthly: I give and bequeath to my daughter Margaret's children, 
one hundred and thirty acres of land to be taken off the west end of the 
south half of Section five, of Range six, Township one said land hes south 
of John Coffman's land : also Fifty Dollars to be paid of the funds hereafter 
to be appropriated for that purpose. 

Ninthly : I give and bequeath to the children of my daughter Rebecca, 
one hundred and ninty acres of land to be laid off on the east of that part 
above set of? for my daughter Margaret's children, it being part of the 
south half of Section five. Range six, of Township one, and also part of 
Section four. Township one, of Range six: also one Bible worth Twelve 
Dollars. 

Tenthly: I give and bequeath to the children of my daughter EUza- 
beth, one hundred and ninty acres of land to be laid off east and adjoining 
the land set off for the children of my daughter, Rebecca, it being part 
of the south half of Section four, Township one Range six. 

Eleventhly: I give and bequeath to the children of my daughter 
Jane, all the land lying east and south of the land above set off for the 
children of my daughter EUzabeth, which I own on the west side of the 
Miami River, it lying in Fractions three, four, nine and ten, of Township 
one, of Range six, supposed to be two hundred acres more or less. 

Twelfthly: I hereby authorize my Exectors to sell and convey all 
my following property for the purpose of paying my debts and the legacies 
heretofore set off — two hundred and twenty acres of land more or less, 
lying in south-west corner of Section six. Township one, Range six, west 
of the Miami : also my mill on the Little Miami including all the land which 



ROBERT Patterson's membership certificate 
IN the military order of the loyal legion- 
op THE united states 



THE PATTERSONS 419 

I own on both sides of the river, with all the improvements of every dis- 
cription, also a house and two lots containing four acres each, in Columbia: 
all my stock of horses and cattle not otherwise disposed of: also my stock 
of hogs which is at the above mentioned mill: and it is further my will 
that, provided the above named property should sell for a greater sum than 
will pay all my debts, then, in that case, it is my will that the balance to 
be divided equally between my children, giving to each child an equal 
share: and I further wish it to be understood that in all the above cases 
where I have set off property for my daughters' children, I intend it as 
the legacy of my daughters, with the exception of Margaret now Mrs. 
Welsh. I give and bequeath to her, One hundred Dollars to be paid out 
of the funds heretofore set off for that purpose. 

Thirteen thly : It is my will that my sons-in-law, so soon as my Ex- 
ecutors can gather the crop which may be on the ground at my decease 
shall enter on the land which I have given to their children and make the 
best use they can of it, for the benefit of their family, and that they shall 
have free use of the same until the youngest child shall arrive at lawful 
age: and further, it is my will, that my daughter Margaret, now Mrs. 
Welsh, should have, possess and enjoy all that piece of land which I have 
above discribed and given to her children, during her natural hfe, free 
from aU rents whatever. 

Fourteenthly : I hereby nominate and appoint James I. Nesbit and 
my sons Robert and Jefferson Patterson, the Executors of this, my last 
will and testament. 

In Testimony of this being my last will and testament, I have hereunto 
set my hand and seal this Eleventh day of June, Eighteen hundred and 
twenty seven. 

R. PATTERSON, [seal] 
Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us : 

Luther Bruen. 
William Chadwick. 
John Miller. 

[Tributes to Captain Robert Patterson {son of Jefferson Patterson).] 
Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. 
Commandry of the State of Ohio. 

Cincinnati, January 2, 1902. 
Our late Companion Robert Patterson, Captain 61st, afterwards 82nd 
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, was elected a member of the First Class of the 



420 APPENDIX 

Military Order of the Loj'al Legion of the United States, through the 
Commandery of Ohio, February 3, 1897. Insignia 11704. 

The accompanying report of the committee appointed to prepare a 
tribute to his memory is printed in accordance with the Regulations of the 
Commandery. 
By order of 

Brevet Major Lewis M. Hosea, U. S. A. (resigned), 

Commander. 
A. M. Van Dyke, 

Brevet Major U. S. V., 

Recorder. 

In Memoriam 
ROBERT PATTERSON. 



Born November 27, 1833, Dayton, Ohio. 
Died June 4, 1901, Dayton, Ohio. 



Robert Patterson was born near Dayton, on the farm of his father Col. 
Jefferson Patterson, and of his grandfather Col. Robert Patterson, the latter 
of whom emigrated there from Lexington, Kentucky. 

Col. Robert Patterson had been active in the Indian warfare of Ken- 
tucky, and had laid out Lexington. 

Robert Patterson's maternal grandfather Col. John Johnson also saw 
service in the Indian wars. So he came of good fighting blood, that was 
always prompt to defend the flag. His early years were spent on the 
farm. On the 20th of April, 1861, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant 
in the 11th 0. V. I., and spent the three months, which was the term of 
service, in organizing and drilling at Camp Dennison. 

In September, 1861, he enlisted in the famous Fremont Body Ciuard, 
was commissioned Second Lieutenant, and participated in the battle of 
Springfield, Mo. He was mustered out with his command at St. Louis, 
January 8, 1862. 

The following April he enlisted in the 61st O. V. I., and was made 
Sergeant of his Company. In November, 1862, he was commissioned 
Second Lieutenant, and in January, 1863, was appointed Regimental 
Adjutant. In April, 1864, when the 61st "veteranized," he was promoted 
to Captain. 

March 31, 1865, the 61st was consolidated with the 82nd O. \'. I., at 



THE PATTERSONS 421 

Greensboro, North Carolina, and he was transferred to the command of 
Co. I, in the 82nd. He was mustered out with his regiment at Louisville, 
Ky., July 24, 1865, after a total service of over four years. 

He participated in the following engagements : 
Springfield, Mo., Missionary Ridge, Burnt Hickory, 

Second Bull Run, Taylor's Creek, Atlanta, 

Fredericksburgh, Wauhatchie, March to the Sea, 

Chancellorsville, Resaca, Bentonville. 

Gettysburg, Kenesaw Mountain, 

At Chancellorsville he was wounded, and again at Bentonville. After 
the war Capt. Patterson settled at Warwick, Wisconsin, as Superintendent 
of a lead mine, and in March, 1868, was married to Miss Mary Thomas, 
of Warwick. In 1881, he came to Dayton, and was connected with the 
National Cash Register until his death. He was a man of great energy, 
frank and outspoken. A warm friend and always interested in the fortunes 
and misfortunes of old soldiers. He was a devoted attendant of the 
National Encampments of the G. A. R. until he became totally blind 
during the last two years of his life. This great affliction he bore manfully, 
continuing to discharge his duties at the factory until he was stricken 
with apoplexy, and died, while making his daily round. 

A sturdy, manly character, he will not be easily forgotten by those who 
have seen his erect carriage, as leaning on the arm of his son, with "eyes 
to the front," though seeing nothing, he walked from his house to his 
business. His widow and five children survive him. 

H. E. Parrott, 
Thos. L. Steward, 
S. W. Davies, 

Committee. 

Four of Jefferson Patterson's sons served in the Union Army against 
the RebeUion — Capt. Robert Patterson, Stephen J., Wilham L. and J. H. 
Patterson. Captain Wilham L. Patterson enlisted under the call for troops 
in April 1861, served as Sergeant in the First 0. V. I., at Vienna Cross 
roads and Bull Run; reenlisted for three years in the same regiment, 
was commissioned Lieutenant, and for gallant and meritorious services 
promoted to Captain, and a year after close of the RebeUion died from 
disabilities incurred in the service. He was a year old when the family 
moved from town to the farm in 1840. When mustered out at the close 
of the war at Columbus, William Patterson was selected to present the 



422 * APPENDIX 

flagstaff, flag and fife of his company to be dcpositoci in the archives at 
the Capitol, but in recognition of his valor and efficient military services, 
he was presented with them as his own property. He accepted the brass 
eagle and the fife but returned the flag and staff to the State of Ohio. 

The brass eagle (now in the possession of ) 

was carried through the following battles : 

Shiloh April 7, 1862. 

Stone River Dec. 31, 1862. 

Liberty Gap June 25, 1863. 

Chickamauga Sept. 19 & 20, 1863. 

Orchard Knob Sept. 23, 1863. 

Missionary Ridge Nov. 25, 1863. 

Buzzard's Roost May 8, 1864. 

Resaca May 14, 1864. 

Adairsville, Ga. May 17, 1864. 

Burnt Hickory May 27, 1864. 

Kenesaw Mountain June 17, 1864. 

Chattahoochie River July 6, 1864. 

Stephen J. and John H. Patterson served in one of the later regiments. 



GENEALOGY OF THE VENABLE & WHICHER FAMILY LINE. 

Margaret Patterson 

Born Lexington, Ky., June 9, 1786. Died Muscatine, la., April 21, 

1857. Buried in the Whicher plot in the Muscatine Cemetery. 

Married 

First. Samuel Venable, a physician, son of Abraham Venable of Wal- 
nut Hill near Lexington, Ky. in 1807. Dr. Venable died about 
1809, leaving one child, Mary Eliza, born about 1808. 

Second. Rev. James Welsh, pastor of First Presb. Church, Dayton, 0., 
Jan. 15, 1811. Died at Vevay, Ind., Nov. 10, 1826, leaving one child, 
Robert Welsh. The latter entered the navy, and was killed in the 
explosion of his ship in New York harbor, 18 — . 

Third. Samuel Caldivell of Franklin, Ohio. 

Mary Eliza Venable 

Born Lexington, Ky., circa 1808. Died at Cincinnati, 0., May 2, 
1880. Married at Rubicon Farm, July 20, 1826. 



THE PATTERSONS 423 

Stephen Whicher 

Born Rochester, Vt., May 4, 1798. Died at Iowa City, la., Feb. 13, 
1856. Lawyer; U. S. Dist. Atty. for Iowa. 
Their Children: 

I. Patterson Venable Whicher, born Vevay, Ind., 1827. 

II. Harriet Lindsay Whicher, born Dayton, 0., 1829. 

III. Samuel Caldwell Whicher, born Dayton, 0., 1831. Died Dayton, 
O., 1832. 

IV. Francis Whicher, born Dayton, 0., 1833. 

V. Stephen Emerson Whicher, born Dayton, 0., 1836. 

VI. Margaret Whicher, born Dayton, 0., 1838. Died Dayton, O., 1838. 

VII. Margaret Esther Whicher, born Muscatine, la., 1841. Died Musca- 
tine, la., 1849. 

I. Patterson Venable Whicher 

Educated Galesburg, 111., in Mexican War; physician; settled Bayou 
Sara, La.; Surgeon in Confed. Army. Died 1867. Married 1857. 
Rosa Dashiell 
Their Children: 

1. Percy Venable 1858-1890. Unmarried. 

2. Margaret Esther 1861-1862 

3. Francis Emerson 1863-1864 

4. Jennie Dashiell 1864. Married 1887 to Bertrand Haralson. 5 chil- 



dren. 



f Margaret Patterson , 

I May Collins ^ ^^^® 



Married 1888 to 

Sydnor McNair. 4 children. 
II. Harriet Lindsay Whicher 
Married at Franklin, Ohio, 1847. 
Charles Brown of Cincinnati, 0. 
Their Children : 

1. Mary Eliza, 1848-1849 

2. Charles, 1850-1896 Unmarried. 

3. Anna M., 1852- 

4. Frank, 1854-1856 

5. Belle V., 1856- 

6. Clara, 1859- 

Married John Bonte, Cincinnati. 
(a) Charles Howard Bonte, 1880- 

7. Ahce, 1861-1863 



424 APPENDIX 

8. Emma, 1863-1863. 

9. Harriet, 1865-1865. 

III. Francis Whicher 

Educated Drennon Springs, Ky., phj^sician; settled Lake Providence, 
La.; Capt. Go. B, 4th La. Vol. C. S. A. Died unmarried 1862. 

IV. Stephen Emerson Whicher 

Educated Drennon Springs, Ky. Real Estate business at Muscatine, 
la. Married 1857. 
A una Huston Meason 
Their Children. 

1 Mary Eliza, 1858 
2. George Meason, 1860 

Married 1887 Lihan Hope Frisbie 
(a) George Frisbie Whicher, 1889. 

3 Alice Brown, 1862. 

Married 1890 Howard S. KeUogg 

4 P'rank Patterson, 1868. 



THE BROWN FAMILY. 

The Browns landed at Philadelphia in 1735, and a year later with 
other emigrants settled in "Burden's Grant," Colony of Virginia. This 
grant of land covered a half njiUion acres, and here Abraham Brown was 
born. Abraham Brown's sons were Henry, James, Peter, and possibly 
others. His daughters, Ehza, 

Henry Brown, son of Abraham was born near Lexington, Va., May 8, 
1772, came to the Northwest Territory with Wayne's Army in 1793, and 
two years later located land near Dayton, Ohio. 

Catherine Patterson, daughter of Col. Robert Patterson was born in 
Lexington, Ky. March 7, 1793. Henry Brown and Catherine Patterson 
were married in the Rubicon Farm home near Dayton, February 19, 1811, 
and made their home in Dayton where all of their children were born. 

Henry Brown died May 19, 1823. 

Catherine Brown died August 12, 1864. 

Robert Patterson Brown, son of Henry and Catherine Brown, born 
December 6, 1811, married Sarah Galloway of Xenia, 0., October 31, 1837. 
Robert Patterson Brown died May 4, 1879. His wife, Sarah Galloway, 
born June 10, 1816, died Feb. 5, 1890. 

Kirkham, son of Henry and Catherine, born in IS 13, died in boyhood. 



THE PATTERSONS 425 

Henry Lindsay Brown, born December 3, 1814, married Sarah Belle 
Browning February 7th, 1837, and died November 25, 1878. 

Sarah Belle, wife of Henry L. was born February 18, 1819, and died 
October 15, 1858. 

Eliza Jane Brown, born October 20, 1816, married Charles Anderson 
September 16, 1835, and died November 19, 1901. Charles Anderson, 
husband of Eliza J. was born June 1st, 1814, and died September 2, 1895. 

Rachel, daughter of Henry and Catherine died in girlhood. 

Children of Robert P. and S.\rah G. Brown. 

Richard Pindell B. born in 1842, died in boyhood. 

Mary Frances B. born August 5, 1845, married Francis D. Campbell 
June 4th, 1867. Their son Francis Duncan C. born May 26, 1868, died 
January 11th, 1890. Mary Frances and James P. Campbell married No- 
vember 14, 1877. Their daughter Elsa was born May 25, 1882. 

James Galloway B. son of Robert P. and Sarah G. Brown was born 
in November 1847, and died in April 1854. 

Henry Galloway B. born March 3, 1850, died January 13, 1890. 

Charles Anderson B. born May 3, 1852, married Frances Eutz. 

Albert Galloway B. born in Feb. 1856, died in infancy. 

Children of Henry L. and Sarah Belle Brown. 

Kirkham, born January 20, 1838, died in infancy. 

Frances Eliza, born January 26, 1839, married Lewis Girdler Evans, 
October 25, 1864. Mr. Evans born November 21, 1833, died January 31st, 
1888. Ehzabeth Girdler, daughter of Lewis G. and Frances E. Evans 
was born October 3, 1868. Henry Brown Evans, born July 2nd, 1871. 
Katherine Patterson Evans born August 6, 1874. 

Ashley Brown, born February 9, 1841, married Emily Catherine Brice 
February 7, 1866, she born April 13, 1843. Their daughter Sarah Belle, 
born March 19, 1867, married Harmon Montgomery Purviance Oct 20 
1892; Mr. Purviance born in 1856; Harmon M. Purviance Jr. son of 
Harmon M. and Sarah Belle Purviance was born June 9th, 1896. 

Emily Brice Brown, daughter of Ashley and Emily C. Brown born Jan. 
24th, 1878. 

Catherine Patterson B., daughter of Henry L. and Sarah Belle Brown, 
born Aug. 21, 1843, married Edmund B. Noel Nov. 8, 1877, he born Aug. 
16, 1844. Their daughter Ehzabeth Leewright Noel, born April 11, 1887. 

Harriet Buchanan B., daughter of H. L. and S. B. Brown, born 



426 APPENDIX 

1846, married Dr. George B. Telfair, Oct. 29, 1889. Dr. Telfair born 
Dec. 3rd, 1839. 

Sarah Belle B., daughter of Henry L. and Sarah Belle Brown was born 
March 1st, 1848, married Jacob Dehring Whitmore Oct. 20, 1874. Mr. 
Whitmore born Nov. 20, 1844. Their children — Ashley Brown Whitmore 
born July 24, 1875. 

Caroline H. born May 7th, 1877. 

Jacob Dehring Jr. May 15th, 1879. 

Edmund Noel, May 17th, 1883. 

Henry Lindsay Brown Jr. son of Henry L. and Sarah Belle Brown, 
born March 18, 1850, married Nettie Cowdery July 20, 1875, she born March 
31st, 1855. 

Their children: 

Catherine Patterson B. born April 3rd, 1878. 

Diah Cowdery born June 3rd, 1880. 

Martha, Aug. 29th, 1882. 

Ashley, April 24, 1885. 

Arthur, Oct. 25th, 1887. 

Lester, born Feb. 3rd, 1890, died Dec. 26th, 1894. 

Robert, born April 21st, 1892. 

Walter, January 3rd, 1896. 

Clifford, March 20th, 1898. 

Wayne, Feb. 20th, 1902. 

Edmund Gurley Brown, son of Henry L. and Sarah B. Brown, born 
April 30th, 1853, married Jessie Cowdery March 10th, 1877, she born July 
10th, 1861. 

Their children : 

Lewis Evans B. born May 15th, 1878. 

Eva, Dec. 9th, 1879. 

Stephen Cowdery, Sept. 29th, 1881. 

Blossom, March 3rd, 1883. 

Frances Evans, March 3rd, 1883, died the next year. 

Charies Cowdery, July 1st, 1884. 

Jessie, Aug. 19th, 1889. 

George Telfair, January 19th, 1892. 

Edmund Gurley Jr., July 13th, 1894, and died in boyhood. 

Henry L. Jr., Feb. 7th, 1897. 

Sydney, July 24th, 1899. 

Robert Buchanan Brown, son of Henry L. and Sarah B. Brown, born 
June 1st, 1857. 






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VOLUNTEERS, /^'/^ vUS etU<//ii/ c,i i^r ^^Ce^^/^ ..'/"'/ ^/..-^G^^ \ 






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ROBERT PATTERSON S CERTIFICATE OF HONOR- 
ABLE DISCHARGE PROM THE OHIO VETERAN IN- 
FANTRY VOLUNTEERS, DATED JULY 24TH. 1865 



THE PATTERSONS 427 

THE ANDERSON FAMILY. 

Eliza Jane Brown, daughter of Henry and Catherine Patterson 
Brown was born October 20th, 1816, married Charies Anderson, Sept. 
16th, 1835, and died Nov. 19th, 1901. Charies Anderson born June 1st, 
1814, died Sept. 2nd, 189.5. 

Their children : 

Allen Latham, born March 18th, 1837, married SaUie D. Rencher Nov- 
1st, 1866, she born Oct. 19th, 1844. Their daughter Mary Louisa, born 
May 22nd, 1870. 

Richard Clough, son of Charles and Eliza J. Anderson, born Sept. 25th, 
1839, died June 27th, 1850. 

Kitty, born April 8th, 1842. 

Sallie and Mary Louisa died in infancy. 

Bell, born August 16th, 1850, married Thomas C. Skinner July 23rd 
1870, he was born June 14th, 1845. 

Their children : 

Charline Anderson Skinner, born June 3rd, 1871, married Lowden 
Jessup April 8th, 1896. Their children : Katherine Anderson, born Feb. 
8th, 1897; Lowden, Jr., born April 4th, 1898; Thomas C. born April 4th, 
1898 died in infancy. 

Eliza Anderson Skinner, born Nov. 10th, 1872, married Homer L. 
Ferguson Sept. 23rd, 1896. Their children: Homer L. Jr., born July 
16th, 1899; Charies Anderson, Feb. 25th, 1901. 

Bartley Skinner, Nov. 16th, 1874, married Mary Louise Wilcox Feb. 
19th, 1902. 

Marion Catlett Skinner, born April 17th, 1878, married Archer W. 
Seaver April 10th, 1900. He died Oct. 25th, 1901. Their son Charles 
Anderson Seaver, born January 25th, 1901. 

Isabel Skinner, born May 27th, 1882. Died in infancy. 

Frederick H. Skinner Jr., June 17th, 1886. 

Thomas C. Skinner Jr., Dec. 24th, 1887. 

THE IRWIN FAMILY. 

Catherine Patterson Brown, widow of Henry Brown, married Andrew 
Irwin in 1826. Their son Andrew Barr Irwin, was born March 23rd, 1827, 
and married Jane Schenck April 23rd, 1863. 

Andrew Barr Irwin died April 19th, 1898. His wife, born Oct. 19th, 
1831, died Feb. 7th, 1897. 



428 APPENDIX 

Their 4 children : 

EHza Schenck Irwin, born June 2n(l, 1864, married Lewis W. McKee 
Dec. 20th, 1896. He was born Dec. 26th, 1855. Their seven children- 
James S. McKee died in infancy; Katherine Irwin, born Nov. 18th, 1888; 
J. H. D. died in infancy; Meriam born Nov. 17th, 1892; Louise W. died 
in infancy; Andrew I. born Feb. 17th, 1896; Logan, born March 18th, 1898. 

Woodhull Schenck Irwin, son of Andrew Barr Irwin and wife, was 
born August 1st, 1866. 

Sarah Crane Irwin, May 9th, 1868. 

Katherine Patterson Irwin, March 14th, 1870. 

THE NISBET FAMILY. 

James Irwin and William Jr. were sons of William Nisbet, a family 
of Pennsylvanians who settled in Kentucky, then in the years 1799 and 
1800 located land on Twin Creek in the Northwestern Territory, now in 
Preble County, Ohio, and all arc buried in the family lot at New Lexington, 
west of Dayton, Ohio. 

James Irwin Nisbet, born January 12th, 1777, and Elizabeth Patterson, 
born January 27th, 1788, married on the Rubicon Farm at Dayton, 
Feb. 20th, 1806. He served with distinction as a Captain of frontiers-men, 
then in the war of 1812 built and commanded a fort on Twin Creek. He 
died June 9th, 1830. Mrs. Nisbet died Dec. 25th, 1827. 

Their 10 children : 

Robert Patterson Nisbet, born Sept. 1st, 1807, died in March 1863. 

Mary Irwin Nisbet, born Feb. 26th, 1809. 

William, May 6th, 1811. 

Elizabeth Patterson Nisbet, Dec. 27th, 1812. 

John Jackson Nisbet, January 17th, 1815. 

Daniel Lindsay Nisbet, March 6th, 1817. 

Harriet Patterson Nisbet, Feb. 19th, 1820, died March 17th, 1893. 

Rebecca Jane Nisbet, June 25th, 1822. 

Charlotte Amelia Nisbet, born January 14th, 1824. Outlived all of 
her brothers and sisters. 

Amanda James Nisbet, born November 24th, 1827. 

THE STEELE FAMILY. 
John Steele, born June, 1785, married Jane, daughter of Col. 
Robert Patterson on the Rubicon farm near Dayton Ohio April 24 1815, 
Rev. James Welsh officiating. John Steele died Dec. 18, 1863. 



THE PATTERSONS 429 

Jane Patterson, wife of John Steele, born May 25, 1795, died in 1876. 
Their six children: 

Robert and John died in infancy. 

Jane grew to womanhood and died unmarried. 

EUzabeth. born Nov. 8, 1817, married Dr. Douglas Price, and two 
children were born to them, a son John, Nov. 10, 1858, who died aged 
about 20, and Jennie, Oct. 3, 1840, who married Charles Tarlton. Both 
dead. To them was born a son Charles, who is (1902) living in Fayette 
County, Ky. Dr. Price and wife are both dead. 

Andrew Steele, born Dec. 16 1820, died Sep. 8, 1889. Married Sallie 
Gray Feb. 15, 1846. She is still Hving (1902). They had ten chil- 
dren — Jennie, born Dec. 12, 1846; John, born June 6, 1848, died in in- 
fancy; Maria, born August 27, 1849; William, born Aug. 16, 1852; John, 
born Feb. 7, 1854; Lizzie, born March 17, 1856; Richard, born May 14, 
1858; Patterson, born August 22, 60; Sallie, born Sep. 22, 1864, died in 
infancy; Andrew, born October 15, 1866. 



Children of Andrew ,\nd Sallie Steele. 

Jennie married E. B. Wood, Dec. 17, 1867. Their children, Sallie, 
Nellie, Lucy and Edward are all [living. Sallie married E. Y. Farley, and 
has one child, Arabella; Nellie unmarried; Lucy married Charles Gor- 
ham, one child dead; Edward is single. 

Maria married W. R. Moore, October 5, 1869. Their children, Carrie 
Wolcott, born Nov. 6, 1872; Sallie S., born Nov. 13, 1874; Andrew, born 
Dec. 16, 1876; Patterson, born April 14, 1883 ; and Richard, born Feb. 
19, 1886. Carrie Wolcott married C. C. Patrick, and has two children, 
Dinsmore and Charles C. Other children are unmarried. 

William married Marguerite Patrick, and has children — Fannie, John, 
William, Sallie and Charles, all unmarried. 

John married Laura Dinsmore Patrick, their children all living — Rike, 
James, Richard, EUzabeth May. John and Richard, sons of Andrew 
Steele, were killed by railroad train, February 20, 1896. 

Lizzie married G. W. Mitchell, and has four children — Ben, Andrew, 
Anna and Georgette. 

Richard married Susan J. Jones, leaving three children at time of his 
death — Rodgers S., Sarah Gray, and Francis. 

Patterson married Fannie M. Dowden, and has one child, Arthur W. 

Andrew, son of Andrew Steele, married Julia Piatt. No children. 



430 APPENDIX 

William H. Steele, son of John and Jane Steele, was born Dec. 6, 1830, 
and is now living. He married Fannie Crooks Feb. 10, 1863. She was 
born June 5, 1841. 

To them were born four children : 

Harry, born Feb. 30, 1864, married Ada Banks Nov. 1, 1885. Harry 
Steele and wife have four children, two boys and two girls. 

John A., born May 25, 1865, married Kate Pinkerton April 14, 1895. 
They have one child. 

Lizzie P., born June 13, 1865, married H. Curran. Died May 15, 
1891. 

Jessie G., born Mar. 28, 1869. 



THE PATTERSON FAMILY IN DAYTON. 

THE FAMILY OF CAPT. ROBERT PATTERSON. 

Robert Patterson. Born at Dayton, Ohio, November 27, 1833. Married 
to Mary Thomas at Warwick, Iowa County, Wisconsin, March 11, 1868. 
[Died at Daj^on, Ohio, June 4, 1901.] 

Mary Thomas , his wife. Born at Red Ruth, England, May 4, 1844. 
Their children are: 

Robert Patterson, Jr. Born near Mineral Point, Wis., April 7, 1869. 

Frank Patterson. Born near Mineral Point, Wis., September 7, 1870. 
Died at Dayton, Ohio, December 29, 1891. 

John Johnston Patterson. Born near Mineral Point, Wis., December 
26, 1876. 

Katherine Johnston Patterson. Born near Mineral Point, Wis., June 
13, 1878. Married to Edward Watts Davies, November 4, 1900. 

Mary Thomas Patterson. Born at Dayton, Oliio, June 6, 1881. 

Jefferson Stuart Patterson. Born at Dayton, Ohio, June 1, 1882. 



THE FAMILY OF STEPHEN J. PATTERSON. 

Stephen J. Patterson, 
Lucy Dun, Married 1879. 
Their children are: 

Robert Dun Patterson 6 January 21, 1881. 
Juha Johnston Patterson 6 June 21, 1883. 
Anne Love Patterson, July 21, 1886. 



THE PATTERSONS 431 

THE FAMILY OF JOHN HENRY PATTERSON. 

John Henry Patterson, 

Katherine Dudley Beck, Married Dec. 18, 1888, at the residence of 
Frederick Beck, 43 Davis Avenue, Brookline, Mass., by the Reverend 
Howard N. Brown, at 8 p. m. [Mrs. Patterson's parents were Fred- 
erick Beck and Lucy (Doane) Beck.] Katherine Patterson was born in 
Eastham, Mass., and was Baptized on Easter Even, Apr. 1, 1893, by 
Rev. H. J. Cook. She died June 11, 1894; buried in Woodland Ceme- 
tery June 13, 1894. 

Their children are: 

Frederick Beck Patterson, Dayton, O., June 22, 1892. Baptized in 
Christ Church, Sunday, March 19, 1893, at 4 p. m. 

Dorothy Forster Patterson, born Oct. 27, 1893. Baptized at St. 
Andrews Protestant Episcopal Church. 

THE FAMILY OF FRANCIS J. PATTERSON. 

Francis J. Patterson [died July 4, 1901], 
Julia Shaw, Married June 4, 1890. 
Their children are : 

Jefferson, born May 14th, 1891. 
Mary Perrine, born March 22, 1894. 
Frank Stuart, born Sept. 3, 1897. 

THE FAMILY OF JULIA WINGATE PATTERSON CRANE. 

Joseph Halsey Crane, 

Juha Wingate Patterson, Married April 24th, 1883. 
Their children are: 

Joseph Graham Crane April 29, 1884. 
Jefferson Patterson Crane May 11, 1885. 



THE THIRTY-TWO DESCENDANTS BURIED IN COLONEL 
PATTERSON'S LOT AT WOODLAND CEMETERY. 

Children: Francis Patterson, Catherine P. Brown, Harriet Stoddard, 
Robert L. Patterson and Jefferson Patterson. 

Grandchildren: Robert P. Brown, Kirkham Brown, Henry L. Brown, 
Rachel Brown, Fannie Marie Goodlet, Harriet Nisbet, Captain Robert 



432 APPENDIX 

Patterson, John J. Patterson, Rachel R. Patterson, Captain William 
Patterson, Elizabeth J. Patterson, Catherine P. Patterson, Arthur Stewart 
Patterson, Francis J. Patterson. 

Great-grand children: Richartl Pindcll, James Galloway and Henry 
G., children of R. P. Brown. 

Kirkham , son of Henry L. Brown. 

Rachel, daughter of Henry Brown. 

Richard C, Sallie and Mary, children of Eliza J. Anderson. 

Frank, son of Captain Robert Patterson. 

Great-great-grandchildren: Frances Evans, daughter of Edmund Gur- 
ley Brown, and Lester, son of Henry L. Brown, Jr. 

Edmund Gurley, Jr., son of Edmund G. Brown. 



INDEX TO THE VOLUME. 



This index, being an analytic study of the entire book, will be found 
useful in taking a quick survey of the biographies of the most important 
persons in the volume and in tracing out genealogies. Names in paren- 
theses ( ) signify maiden name and in brackets [ ] married name of 
the women mentioned in this history. Where two or more brackets 
follow a name they denote re-marriages. A bracketed name, after a 
man's name, signifies the name of his wife before her marriage to him. 



Adairsville, Georgia 422 

Adams. George (Major) 280, 294, 295, 303 

John 59 

John Quincy 375 

Mary [Johnston] 20 

Alleghany Mountains, Pennsylvania 299 

Allegheny River, Pennsylvania 30 

Allen, Ethan (Rev.) 93, 99, 330, 364 

James Lane 239 

Allison, Mr 183 

Ambler, Jacques 395 

Anderson, Allen L. [Rencher] 427 

BeU [Skinner] 427 

Charles [Brown] Birth of 425 , 427 

—Death of 425, 427 

— Family of 427 

—in Dayton 334, 344 

— Marriage of 425 

—Quoted 111-113, 387-389 

Eliza J. (Brown) Mrs., at Upper Piqua 333 

—Birth of 425. 427 

—Death of 425 

—Family of 277.427 

— in Dayton 334 

—Marriage of 330, 425 

—Quoted 278, 301 

Kitty 301, 345, 427 

Mary Louisa (daughter of Allen Latham) . . .427 
Mary Louisa (daughter of C!lharles) . . . .427, 432 

Richard Clough 427,432 

Sallie 427, 432 

Sallie D. (Rencher) Mrs 427 

Annan, Scotland 15 

Annandale, Scotland 15-17 

Annapolis, Maryland 82 

Arbuckle, Matthew (Capt.) 155, 162 

Archer, Senator 375 

Armstrong, Thomas 359 



PAGE 

Arthur, John 266 

Reverend 33 

Athens County, Ohio 156 

Atlanta, Georgia 421 

Auglaize River. Ohio 294, 295 

B 

Bacon, Richard 311 

Baer, Peter 94 

Baker, David C 94 

Ballintra, Ireland 20 

Ballyshannon, Ireland 20, 25 

Baltimore, Maryland 374, 375 

Banks, .\da [Steele] 430 

Barbecues 266, 269 

Bardstown, Kentucky 270, 286, 288, 410 

Barr, Robert 397, 398 

Barrens (The), Kentucky 149 

Barrington. Charles 91 

Samuel 91 

William R 91 

Barton, Mr 144 

Bayou Sara, Louisiana 423 

Bear Grass 176 

Beatty Family 34 

Beaver Creek. Ohio 268, 270, 280 

Beck, Frederick [Doane] 431 

Kathenne Dudley [Patterson] 352, 431 

Lucy (Doane) Mrs 431 

Bedford, Pennsylvania.. .123-127, 137, 160, 196 

County. Pennsylvania 121, 123, 195 

Springs, Pennsylvania 6, 123, 125 

Belfast, Ireland 126 

Benton\Tlle 421 

Berkeley County, Virginia 121 

Berks County, Pennsylvania 345 

Bernard, E. [Johnston] see Johnston, Elizabeth — 

Beulah, Ohio 280 

Big Corn (Indian Chief) 229 



INDEX TO THE VOLUME 
Big Cove Brown, James 

Big Cove, Pennsylvania 4, 121-129 

Big Sandy River, West Virginia 125 

Bird. Mr 27 

Black Hawk 48 

Black Hoof 40. 55, 57, 70, 84, 89 

Blair, Samuel 397, 398 

Blanchanl's Kork, Ohio 62 

Blue Family 34 

Blue Licks, Kentucky As a Resort 266 

Battle of 152,171,213-219 

Life at 155, 163 

Picture of Road 218 

Blue River. Wisconsin 177 

Blythe. Rev. James 236-240, 241 

Bonte, Charles Howard 423 

Clara (Brown) Mrs 423 

John [Brown] 423 

Boone, Captain 68 

Daniel [ } Appeal for Troops 400 

—Blue Licks Life 163 

— Bryan's Station Life of 221 

— ( aptured by Indians 164 

—Heath of 171 

— Family .f 148, 149,221.225 

— First Meeting with Col. Johnston 36 

— Funeral of 67. 68 

— in Dunmore Campaign 134. 169 

—in Kentucky 139, 146 

— in Miami Campaign 228 

— Lieutenant Colonel 211, 237 

—Life Story 170,171 

— on Land Grant Appeal 4 

— Personal Appearance of 36, 75. 171 

—Portrait of 171 

—Quoted 136. 152. 200 

—Reading of 22S 

— Spelling of 7 

■ — Surveys of 254 

—Tributes to 36. 112, 219. 220 

Boonesboro. Ky 147, 148, 163, 171 . 219. 236 

Boquet. Colonel 124 

Botetourt. Virginia 8. 35. 200 

Bourbon County, Kentucky 245 

Court House. Kentucky 36 

Bowman. Isaac 182 

John (Col.) 163, 189, 209 

Joseph (Major) 178-180 

Boyd. Ensign 31 

BojTie. Ireland 17 

Braddock. Edward (Gen.) 123 

Bradford, Eliza 84 

Family 98, 334. 346 

John 7, 241, 249, 394,395 

Brandywine, Pennsylvania 129 

Brice. Emily Catherine [Brown] 425 

Bright Horn 48 

Broad Horns 139 

Broadwell, Simeon 311 

Brookline. Massachusetts 431 



Brown. Abraham 424 

Albert Galloway 425 

Alice 423 

Anna M 423 

Arthur 426 

Ashley (son of Henry L.) [Brice] .. 121 , 123, 425 

Ashley (son of Henry L., Jr.) 426 

Belle V 423 

Blossom 426 

Catherine (Patterson) Mrs. see Patterson. . — 
Catherine Patterson (daughter H.L.) [Noel].425 
Catherine Patterson (daughter Henry L.Jr.)426 

Charles, Sr. [Whicher] 423 

Charles. Jr 423 

Charles Anderson [Eutz] 345. 425 

Charles Cowdery 426 

(■lara [HonteJ 423 

Clifford 426 

Diah Cowdery 426 

Doctor [Johnston] 382 

Edmund Gurley [Cowdery] 426 

Edmund Gurley.Jr 426,432 

Eliza 424 

Eliza Jane [Anderson] 277.330.425.427 

Emily Brice 303. 425 

Emily Catherine (Brice) Mrs 425 

Emma 424 

Eva 428 

Frances EUza [Evans] 425 

Frances (Eutz). Mrs 425 

Frances Evans 426,432 

Frank 423 

George Telfair 426 

Harriet 424 

Harriet Buchanan [Telfair] 425 

Harriet L. (Whicher) Mrs 423 

Henry (son Abraham.) [Patterson] Birth of 424 

—Children of 424. 425 

—Death of 314, 315 

— Dress of 290 

— in Business 295, 299 

—in Dayton 283. 307. 309. 424 

—Land nf 418 

—Legatee 418 

—Marriage of 277. 289. 424 

— with Wayne's Army 424 

Henry Galloway 345. 425. 432 

Henry Lindsay [Browning] Birth of 425 

—Bought Cemetery Plot 333 

-Burial of 431 

—Children of 277. 425 

—Death of 425 

—in Dayton 344 

—Marriage of 330,425 

—Pall Hearer 328 

Henry Lindsay, Jr. (son of Edmund G.) . . . 426 
Henrj- Lindsay , Jr. (son Henry L.) [Cowdery ;426 

Howard N., (Rev.) 431 

James 183.289,424 



INDEX TO THE VOLUME 
Brown, (continued)-Cincinnati 



Brown, James Galloway 344,425,432 

Jessie 426 

Jessie (Cowdery), Mrs 426 

John Mason 236 , 237 

Kirkham (son of Henry) 334, 424,431 

Kirkham (son of Henry L.) 425, 432 

Lester 426, 432 

Lewis Evans 426 

Martha 426 

Mary EUza 423 

Mary Frances [Campbell] [Campbell] . .345,425 

Nannie (Johnston) Mrs 382 

N:uinic (Cowdery) Mrs 426 

Peter 424 

Rachel 425,432 

Richard Pindell 425, 432 

Robert 426 

Robert Buchanan 42G 

Robert Patterson [Galloway] Birth of . . . .424 

—Burial of 431 

—Death of 424 

^Family Reunion 344 

— in Dayton Society 334 

—Marriage of 330, 424 

—Pall Bearer 328 

Sarah (daughter of Henry G.) 432 

Sarah Belle (daughter Henr.v L.)[Whitmore]426 . 

Sarah Belle (Browning), Mrs :i30, 334, 425 

Sarah Belle (daughter Ashley) [Purviance]. . 425 

Sarah (GaUoway), Mrs 330, 334, 344, 424 

Stephen Cowdery 426 

Sydney 426 

Thomas 94 

Walter 426 

Wayne 426 

Browning, Sarah Belle [Brown] 330, 425 

Brownsville, Pennsylvania 29, 105, 287 

Bruen, I.uther 283,419 

Bryan, Joseph, Jr 395 

William 189 

Bryan's Station, Kentucky 189,203,211-225 

BMclianan, David 310 

Buckingchilas 40, 48 

Bucks County, Pennsylvania 120 

Buffalo, New York 54, 373 

Bnllock.Mr 33 

Bull Run, Virginia 421 

Burden's Grant. Virginia 424 

Burnet, Isaac G 312 

Burnt Hickory 421,422 

Burr, Aaron 241 

Burt, Andrew Gano( ] 383 

Andrew Gano.Jr 383 

Andrew Sheridan [Reynolds] 383 

Edith Saunders [Trout] 383 

Elizabeth Johnston (Reynolds) Mrs 383 

Georgiana ( ) Mrs 383 

Lillian (Stewart) Mrs 383 

Reynolds 383 



Bu.stard, Mr 33 

Butler, Kate (Johnston) Mrs 382 

M. D. [Johnston] 382 

Richard (Gen.) 34,76 

Thomas (Col.) 28, 34, 35, 76 

Buzzard's Roost 422 

Byrd, Colonel 256 



Cabin Creek, Kentucky 140 

Cabm Rights 141-147 

Cahokia, lUinois 173, 181-185 

Caldwell, Captain 214 

John Widney 383 

Joseph [Widney] 383 

Margaret 344 

Margaret (Patterson) Mrs., see Patterson. . — 

Mary Ann (Widney) Mrs 383 

Mary Jane 383 

Mary [Johnston] 20. 381 

Matthew 34 

Pinkerton 383 

R.C 368 

Samuel [Patterson] 277. 287, 422 

Stephen Johnston 383 

Calhoun, John C 348 

California 382 

Calloway, Richard (Col.) 148 

Campbell, Duncan C 425 



KIsa 



.425 



Francis D. [Brown] 425 

Francis D., Jr 425 

James P. [Campbell] 425 

Mary F. (Brown) Mrs 345,425 

Cane Run, Kentucky 142, 145, 184, 250, 395 

Carlisle, Pennsylvania 28, 29, 36, 129 

Carlton Family 359 

Lanncellett 360 

Carroll, F. F 94 

Cass, Lewis (Gen.) 29, 48, 84 

Catawba Intlians 70 

Catherwood, Mary Hartwell, (Mrs.) 179 

Centreville. Ohio 298 

Chadwiok, WiUiam 419 

Chambers, Benjamin (Col.) 126 

Chambersburg, Pennsylvania 5, 129, 147 

Chancellorsville, Virginia 421 

Charleston Falls, Ohio 98 

Chase, Philander (Bishop) 84,91,92 

Chattahoochie River, Alabama 422 

Cherokee Indians 56, 70 

Chester County, Pennsylvania 32, 254 

Che\-iot Hills, Scotland 15 

Chickamauga, Georgia 422 

Chillicothe, Ohio (see Old Chillicothe) 172 

Cholera Epidemic 103, 328, 342 

Cincinnati, Ohio Business in Early 33 

Called Fort Washington 254 

Called Losantiville 257, 258 



INDEX TO THE VOLUME 
Cincinnati (continued)-Dayton 



Cincinnati, (iliio Cholera Year 

First Dlock House 

—Sale of Lots 253,255, 

— Settlers 

Surveys 

Fort Washington 254, 

in 1789 

in 1792 

InRratitude to its P'oiuiders 

(Jld Roaii to PhUadelphia 

I'atterson Interests Sold 265, 

Three Original Owners of 112, 

ast 

Civil John 

Clark, George Rogers, (Clen.) Death of , . . . 

First Council of 

Illinois rampaign of 

in Fort Piqua Fight 

Life of 173- 

Miami Campaign 208-212, 226-228, 

Portrait of 

Tributes to 174-184, 

Vote of Thanks 

Clay, Henry 3, 241 . 375, 

Clegg, Thomas 

Clements, Doctor 

Clending, Andrew 

Jane [Johnstone] 

Cleveland, EU 

Clll'ton, Ohio Indian Fights near 

Johnston Lands 268,270, 

Mill at 281. 

Coburn.John 394, 

CofTman, John 

Coleman, Adelaide 

Eleanor (Johnston) Sirs 

Jean 

John W. [Reynolds] 

Latrobe 

Mary L. ( Reynolds) [WaUace] 382- 

Mary Louise 

Randolph Johnston [Johnstonl 382- 

Collins. Joel 180,202,224, 

Josiah 187, 

Columbia, Ohio 33, 

Columbus, Ohio 61,63,350,303, 

Congo Creek, West Virginia 

Connecticut 

Connellstown, Pennsylvania 

O.r.Mii., Billy 

John 

Connersville, Indiana 

Conococheague River, Penn 125 

Conover, Frederic K 

Cook, H. J. (Rev.) 

Cooper, Daniel 270,281 

Daniel C 286 

James Femmore 

Corn Island, Wisconsin 177 



103 Corn Rights 145-147 

209 Cornstalk 46,48,162 

258 Covington, Kentucky 277 

33 Cowdery , Jessie [Brown] 426 

257 Nannie [Brown] 426 

258 Cowpens, South Carolina 3. 121 

258 Cox. Jacob 91 

204 Craig, Family 215,216 

204 Hebe. (Johnston) Mrs 61,378,379 

200 Jeremiah 225 

401 John 400 

253 Lieutenant 31 

258 Crane, Jefferson Patterson 431 

62 Joseph Graham 431 

174 JosephH 283,286,414 

181 Joseph Halsey [Patterson] 352,431 

175 Judge 311 

46 Julia W. (Patterson) see Patterson, Julia. . . — 

■174 Crawford. Colonel 135, ISO 

2.')6 Creigh. John (Judge) 28 

173 Samuel 28. 33 

390 Crittenden, John J. ( Hon.) 68 

396 Crooks, Fannie [Steele] 430 

400 Chifewukasa 40 

91 Cumberland, Virginia 134 

98 County, Pennsylvania 122, 129 

358 Gap, Pennsylvania 200, 287 

358 \ alley , Pennsylvania 122, 126 

400 Curran, H. [.Steele] 430 

164 Lizzie P. (Steele) Mrs 430 

281 Curtner. Christopher 416 

292 

397 D 

418 Danville. Kentucky 227. 237, 245 

383 Darke County, Ohio 291 

383 Dashiell, Rosa (Whicher) Mrs 423 

383 Davidson, -Mr 242, 243 

382 Davies, Edward Watts [Patterson] 94,430 

382 HUey ( ) Mrs. 334 

•383 Katherine J. (Patterson) Mrs 430 

383 S. W 421 

■383 Davis, David 94 

204 George C 84 

202 Rachel ( ) Mrs 82 

257 Day, Edward 33 

421 Dayton, Ohio Became County Scat 283 

. 135 Canal to Cincinnati 305, 306 

.119 Cemeteries 279,283,333 

4 Changes in 13 

. 88 Cholera in 328 

. 88 Churches in 99, 283, 307-312, 329 

. 88 Drought in 331 

, 120 Ferriesin 281 

. 10 Fbst Bible Society in 296 

.431 — Boat Line Established 282 

-284 —Book Published 312 

, 336 —Brick House 282, 288 

. 45 —Bridge 282, 302 

. 185 —Canal 306 



INDEX TO THE VOLUME 



Dayton (continued)-Ford, Robert 

Dayton, Oliio First Congressional Election .270 

—Graveyard 279, 283 

— Mail Sen.'ice 283 

— Montgomery County Fair 332 

—Sunday School 309 

—Weekly Paper 282 

Floods 280,281,318,319 

Fourth of July in 94,285,300,311 

Horse Racing in 310 

in 1803 283 

in 1804 283, 320 

in War of 1812 291-298 

in 1832 320 

Indian Fight Near 190, 226, 230 

Old Episcopal Church 329 

Old Stone MiU 337 

Phillips House 85 

Property of Col. Patterson 281 , 283 

Residents of 5, 13, 34 , 85, 93 

Rubicon Farm, see Rubicon Farm — 

Schools 290,349 

Slaves 312-314 

Social Life in 95-99, 2S9, 334-345 

Thanksgiving Day 300 

Turnpike to Cincinnati 314, 330 

Dayt.M, View. Ohio 281,334 

Dearborn, Henry 27 

Defiance, Ohio 62,71 

Defrees, James 91 

Joseph, Jr 91 

Delaware Indians 40, 45, 54, 62, 72, 126 

Denman.Mathias 252-257,397-402 

Derry, Pennsylvania 122 

Detroit, Michigan 51, 74, 153 

Dickens. Charles Quoted ■ 63, 79 

Dickinson College 36 

Dick's River, Kentucky 182 

Dicky, Patrick 33 

Dilbome Family 72 

Disney, Mr 363 

Dixon, Captain 311 

Doane, Lucy [Beck] 431 

Dodd, Captain 311 

Donegal, Ireland 6,20,25,129,381 

Pennsylvania 122 

Donegal Bay, Ireland 119 

Doren. Electra C 10 

Douglas Family 16 

Dowden, Fannie M. [Steele] 429 

Drake, ( olonel 261 

Daniel (Dr.) 204, 206, 240 

Draper. Lyman C 6,275,373,374 

Drennings Lick, Kentucky 141, 212, 424 

Droumsluice, Ireland 18-20, 357-360 

Duchaquet, Francis 35 

Dumfriesshire, Scotland 15, 17 

Dun, Lucy [Patterson] 352, 430 

Duncan, James 187 

Dunmore, Lord 133-136. 148 



Durrett, Reuben T. (Col.) 10, 207. 2.^6 

Dye, Elizabeth ( ) Mrs 341 

Mary Jane [Johnston] 93, 341 

Dyes, Home Made 86, 205, 206, 232 



Eagle Creek, Kentucky 183, 184 

Eaker, William 94 

Edgar Family 280 

Eel River, Indiana 40 

Elatage, Charles 361 

Elkhorn River, Kentucky 140-147, 186 

EUinipsico 162 

Elliott, Colonel 31 

Commodore 69 

Doctor 39, 280 

Elizabeth [Johnston] 20 

Matthew 69 

Engle, George 94 

John 94 

English, W. H. Quoted 180 

Enniskillen, Ireland 18, 19. 358, 359 

Eutz. Frances [Brown] 425 

Evans, Elizabeth Girdler 425 

Frances Eliza (Brown) Mrs 345, 425 

Henry Brown 425 

Katherine Patterson 425 

Lewis Gu-dler [Brown] 425 

Ewing, Margaret [Lindsay] 127 

Jlary (Patterson) Mrs 251 



Falling Springs, Penn 124-127,141, 160,195 

Farley, Arabella 429 

E. Y. [Wood] 429 

Sallie (Wood) Mrs 429 

Fayette County, Kentucky Nisbets in 128 

Officers in 211, 237, 245 

Regiment 227 

■Schools of 26.5 

Steeles in 429 

Todd in 171 

Felix, Peter 34, 95 

Ferguson, Charles Anderson 427 

i;liza A. (Skinner) Mrs 427 

Homer L. [Skinner] 427 

Homer L.,Jr 427 

James 33 

Fermanagh County, Ireland 18, 19, 358 

Ferris, Doctor 33 

Filson, John 252-258, 399, 402 

Fitch, Rev. Dr 106 

Flatfield, Ireland 359 

Flint, Timothy (Rev.) 299 

Floyd, John 237, 392 

Flynn, James 34 

Foley, Samuel 94 

Folkerth, Squire :il3 

Ford, Robert 146 



INDEX TO THE VOLUME 
Fort-Harrison, Gen. William H. 



Fort Bedford (see also Bedford) 123 

Black, Ohio 294 

Charlotte, West Virginia 135, 136 

Duquesne, Pennsylvania 30 

Fayette, Pennsylvania 30 

Fincastle, Ohio 134 

Gower, Ohio 134 

HamUton, Ohio 32, 200, 262 

Henry, Pennsylvania 136, 140, 161 

Laramie, Ohio (see also Laramie) 32 

Leavenwortii, Arkansa- 100 

I<igonier, Pennsylvania 4, 123, 197 

Meigs, Ohio 29;>, 293 

Messac 177 

Piqua.Ohio, 46,71 

Pitt, Penii 133-1.39, 160, 161, 176, 195, 197 

Recovery 31 

St. Clair 31 

Washington, Ohio .... 31 , 33, 153, 200, 254-26:1 

Wayne, Indiana First White Children 79 

— Garrison at 74 

—in 1798 39 

—Indian Post at 38-42, 51 , 89 

—Trading at 09 

Frankfort. Kentucky 67, 68, 269. 4«l 

Road L'.52 

Franklin, Ohio 287, 289, 335, 368, 423 

— Pennsylvania 160 

County, Pennsylvania 5, 127 

Fredericksburg, Virginia 59, 421 

Freeman. Samuel 401, 4n2 

Thomas 402 

Frisbie, Lilian Hope [Whicher] 424 

a 

Galesburg, Illinois 423 

Oalloway, James 280 

Sarah [Brown] 330, 424 

Gano, John 398 

Oarnsey, Cheater 382 

Uretta [Johnston] 382 

tiarrard, David 73 

FamUy 34 

Jame3(Gov.) .30, 401 

William 36 

Gaasway, Rachel 377 

George. William 303 

Georgetown. Ky 141. 142, 175.2SO-290 

Germantown, Ohio 298 

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 421 

Gibault, P;re 181 

Girty, Simon 163,217,218 

Goblusch, Ireland 18, 3iJ9 

Qoodlet, Catherine B 413 

Fannie Mane 319,431 

John (Dr.) IPatterson] Legatee 417 

— Letters of 404, 405 

—Marriage of 270, 286 

Rebecca (Patterson) Mrs. see Patterson.. .. — 



Qorham, Charles [Wood] 429 

Lucy (Wood) Mrs 429 

Government Lands 32, 145, 184 

Urafflln, 11. C. (Johnston] 382 

Margaret (Johnston) Mrs 382 

Grant. Ujy.ssesS. (Gen.) 57 

Gray, George 178 

Sallie [Steele] 429 

Great Kanawha, West Va . 125, 134, 136, 152, 155 

Great Miami, Ohio 32,211, 2.57-267. 305 

Greene County, Ohio .209, 270. 281, 291, 302, 338 

Greene, Charles R 94 

Greenham, Nicholas 91 . 92 

Thomas 91 

Green Hiver, Kentucky 149 

Greensboro. North Carolina 421 

Greenup, Christopher 394 

Greenville, Ohio Garrison al 73,293 

Treaties <if 52 

Troops from 294 

Qreenvllle Crook, Ohio 303 

Falls, Ohio 303 

Greer, Lsaac 155-157 

Grimes, James M. (Capt.) 311 

Grove Creek, West Virginia 140, 155-160 

Grove, George 94 

Gnion, .\lvah (Rev.) 93-100, 364. 367 

Gunckel, PhUip 280 

H 

Hagerstown, Maryland 200 

Haines, Doctor 317 

Halliday Family 16 

Hamilton, Ohio 231,289 

Road, Ohio 31 , 34 

Hamilton, Andrew 125 

Henry 153 

Isabella 359 

Isabella (Noble) Mrs 359 

Hammond, Charles 48 

Hamtranck, John F 69 

Hand, General 161 

Hand-Cuffs for Runaway Negroes 314 

Hanna. Charles A 252 

James (Mrs.) _ 298 

Hanover, Pennsylvania 120, 122 

Haralson, Bertrand [Whicher] 423 

Jennie D. (Whicher) Mrs 423 

Hardin, Major 68 

Harland, Major 219 

Harniar, General 259 

Harries, William .334 

Harrlsburtt.Ohio 65,66,97 

Pennsylv.inia 129 

Harrison, Benjamin 388 

Family 334 

William Henry (Gen.) and Land Law 32 

— as Lieutenant 33 

—as President 61, 65, 388 



INDEX TO THE VOLUME 
Harrison, General ( continued )-Jefferson 



Harrison, William Henry at Tippecanoe. 295, 296 
— Col. .Johnston and .52, 53. 64-67, 84, 263, 292 

—Election of 61 

—Letter of Thanks 297 

— Religious Views of 65 

Harrod. James 134-139,146,169,170 

Harrodsburg.Kentucky Council of War.162, 211 

Defence of 1 75 

Fort at 152, 163 

March from 186 

Reinforcements 175, 219 

William Patterson at 161 

Hartshorn, Captain 31 

Harvey .Isaac 376 

Simon D 376 

Hatchet Rights 147 

Hawkins, Pamuel (Col.) 280 

Hawley. Rev. Dr 65 

Hayes, S. T 248 

Haynes. Judge 334 

Helm, I^eonard 162 

Henderson, Richard 240 

William 400 

Henry, Captain 256 

Patrick 176, 185, 227 

Higgins. John 178 

Hilliard Family 34 

Hillier, Thomas 91 

Hinckston's, Ohio 146, 147 

Hob>on's Choice, Ohio 30 

Hockhocking County, Ohio 156 

River, Ohio 134, 1.56 

Hog Creek 62 

Hold, Doctor 34 

Hold's Creek, Ohio 34 

Hole, Mr 280 

HoIp's Station 280 

Holtzbecher.Cath. C. (Johnston) see Joljnston — 

Eliza J 333 

George [Johnston] 93, 100 

Honey Creek, Ohio 34 

Ho^ea, Lewis M 420 

Houk, Adam (Captain) 94,348 

Eliza P. (Thruston) Mrs 305 

George W. [Thruston] 305 

Houston, Georj-'e S 303 

Howe. Henry 52, 70-75, 83 

Hudson River, New York 120 

Hudson, Shadrack 34 

Huggins, Richard D. (Dr.) 3,4.5.191 

Hulbert, Walter 200 

Hunt. Abijah 33 

Helen : 58 

g Jesse 33. 417 

I 

lUinois 1.54. 162, 172-185, 219 

Indian Hippie 335 

Territory 63 



Indians Abduction.-* by 148-150 

Agency 39-76 

Catawba 70 

Causes of War with 42 

Cherokee 66, 70 

< 'ouncils 47-64 

Delaware 40-72, 126 

Fights30-46, 70-72, 124-135, 150-165, 209-232 

Flags for 40, 42 

Free Masons 87 

Friendly 50-53. 74, 82, 102 

Funeral 54 

Illinois 181 

Injustice to 49-62,73 

Lake , 214 

Lands 49, 57-62. 88-89 

Miami 40-50. 70-71, 189, 230 

Mingo 135, 146 

Missions for 58 

Mohawk 54 

Mohican 72 

Mourning Among 64 

Muncie 45,70,72 

Oratory of 40, 49-62 

Ottawa 54. 62, 70 

Potawatoraie 45 

Prisoners 75 

Quakers and 56 

Seneca 40-70, 153 

Shawanoese 36-71, 126 

Shawnee 172, 228 

Shoshone 89 

Sports of 48 

Traders 41,59.85 

Treachery 47 

Treaties 31 , 52-62. 89 

Wyandotte 45-72, 153 

Indiana 38,41.174 

Indianapolis, Indiana 382 

Iowa City, Iowa 423 

Ireland 17-19, 116-129 

Irvin, Christopher 237 

Irvine. David 357 

Mary [Johnstone] 357 

Irwin. Andrew [Brown] 317.318.417.427 

Andrew Barr [Schenck] 427 

( -ath. C. (Patterson) [Brown] see Patterson . — 

Eliza (.^chenck) Mrs. [McKee] 428 

Jane (Schenck) Mrs 427 

Katherine Patterson 428 

Sarah Crane 428 

Woodhull Schenck 428 



.lackson. Andrew 61 

James River 173 

Jefferson, Thomas 69,62, 185 

Jefferson. Ohio 32.260 

County, Kentucky 237 



INDEX TO THE VOLUME 
Jessup-Johnston, Margaret 

Jessup, Charline A. (Skinner) Mrs 427 

Katherine Anderson 427 

I.nwden [Skinner] 427 

Lowden.Jr 427 

Thomas C 427 

Johnson, Richard M 216 

Samuel 187 

Johnston, Scotland 1.5, 16 

Johnston, Abraham Robinson Birth of. .79 .179 

—Burial of 102, 379 

— Correspondence of 361 

— Death of 80, 102 

—Recalled to Washington 100 

Carpenter 360 

Catherine Connelly [Iloltzhecher] Birth of . 80 

—Death of 333, 380 

—Marriage of 93, 100 

Charles (of Botetourt, Virginia) 35 

Eleanor (daughter Robert, Springfield) . . .383 

Eliza (daughter Stephen, Ft. W.) [Winan8].382 

Elizabetli (daughter Col.) [Jones] Birth . . 79 

— Family Reunion 345 

—in Cincinnati 101-103 

—in Dayton 330,345 

. — Marriage of 93 

Elizabeth (Bernard) Mrs. (wife Sii-phcji 2di. — 

—Burial of 93 

—Came to United States 20 

—Children of 20 

—Death of 93, .330 

—Girlhood of 20 

— Life at Upper Piqua 87 

— Marriage of 20 

Elizab' th (Elliott) Mrs 20 

Family 2,15-17,26.129 

Francis (.son Stephen 2d, Droum.) [Elliott].. 20 

Francis (of Droumsluice) 19. 357 

Francis, Jr. (of Droumsluice) 357 

George (of Piqua, Ohio) 91 

Harriet Jones (daughter Col.) Birth .80,380 

—Death of 333, 380 

HebelCraig] 61,378,379 

Jnmes(son Stephen 2d. Droum.) I Adams] 20. 103 

James Adams (son Col. John) SO, 329. 341 

James. Jr. (of Piqua. Ohio) 91 

J.imes (nf Droumsluice) 17-19. 357, 361 

James 2d (of Droumsluice 1 [ ] 357-360 

James (Sir) (of Time of Elizabeth) 16 

Jane (Clending) Mrs 3.58 

John (Col.) (son Stephen 2d ..f DniuinsliiK..) 

— Ancestors of . 16-19 

— Assistant Surgeon 39 

— at Boone's Funeral 67 

—at Washington's Funeral 59 

— Attempted As:?assinatinn of.. , 72 

—Authority on Tiuhan Affairs 26 

— Birth of 25, 104 

— Boyhood of 26, 27 

—Burial of 106. 107, 381 



— Camo to America 20,25,104 

— Canal Commissioner 25, 306 

— Cariisle Life of 28 

—Children of 70, 80 

— Cincinnati Experiences of . . .33-36, 101, 102 

— Claim against Government 105 

— Compared to Washington 61 

-Dayton Life of 104,341,343 

—Death of 106, 107, 381 

—Epitaph of 107. 381 

—Family Went to Piqua 71 

—Fort Wayne Life of 37-45 

— Founder of Kenyon College 25 

— Founder of Piqua Church 01 

—Founder of Sunday School 25 

—Free Mason 106 

—Funeral of 106 

— Historical Contributions 2, 25, 26, 104 

— Hospitality of 84 

— Indi.an Agent 28. 37-76 

—Indian Linguist 89. 104 

— Journey from Carlisle 20-30 

^Justice of 56. 59 

— Lay Reader of Ohio 25 

—Letters of 00, 363-365, 374-379 

— Alarriage of 20, 37 

— Paymaster in War of 1812 25 

—Personal Appearance 36. .52. 81, 104,108 

—Philadelphia Life of 27, 58. 59 

—Piqua Life of 45-101 

—Pittsburg Trip of 29, 30 

— Political Martyrdom of 61 

— Porirait of 36,81 

— President of Historical Society 25 

— Record of Early Exjieriences 2 

—Religious Life of 91,92,105,106,312 

—Removal to Piqua 45, 71 

—Rubicon Farm Life of 104 

— Sami'le of Handwriting 27 

—Sandusky Life of 62. 361 

—Tomb of 107.381 

—Tributes to 20.47-52,61-64, 107.375 

—Trustee of Miami College 25 

—Visitor at \\ est Point 25 

— War Department Clerk 25, 27 

— Warden of Piqua Church 02 

—Washington Visits 65, 105-106.374, 378 

— With General Wayne's Army 104 

John de (Sir) (12061 16 

John de (Sirl ( Flourished about 1,5901 . . 16, lOS 
JohnH.D. (Son Col. John) [Dye] Birth... 80 

— Gift to Piqua Church 92 

— Marriage of .93, 341 

John (of Droumsluice) 358 

John (of Goblusch) 19, 3.59 

Julia [Patterson] sec Julia Patterson .... — 
Kate (daughter Stephen, Piqua) [Butler]. . .382 

Lilly 378 

Margaret (daughter Steph., Piqua) [Grafflin] 382 



INDEX TO THE VOLUME 
Johnston, Margaret C.-Kenton's 



Johnston, Margaret C. (of I'iqua) Quoted... 37 

Margaret Defrees, Birth of 80 

—Burial of 379 

—Death of 80, 103, 342 

— in Cincinnati 101 

—in Dayton 341 

Mary (daughter Col.) [McLean] Birth of . . . 79 

— Bridesmaid 96 

— in Oncinnati 98. 333 

— Marriage of 93, 330 

Mary (daughter S. 2d D.)lWhioher] Death 102 

— Marriage of 28 

Mary (daughter of Stephen of Piqua) 382 

Mary (Adamsl Mrs 20 

Mary (Caldwell) Mrs 20, 381 

Mary (Irvine) Mrs .357 

Mary J, (Dye) Mrs 93, 341 

Mary (Shaw) Mrs 20 

Nannie [Brown] 382 

Rachel (daughter Col.) [Heynolds] Birth.. 80 

—Children of 382 

—Death of 382 

— in Cincinnati 330 

— Marriage of 93, 330 

— Reunion at Rubicon Farm 345 

Rachel (Robinson) and (_:en. Harrison ....64 

— at Fort Wayne 42 

— at Piqua 79, 1' 

— Birth of 80 

—Character of 81,82,99, 100 

—Children of • 79, 80 

— Correspondence of 90, 370-377 

—Death of 80, ')'" 

— Epitaph of 80, 381 

— Funeral of 99, 100 

— Marriage of 20, 37 

— Portrait of 36 

— Religious Life of 82, 92 

— Tributes to 99 

— Wedding Journey 37 

Rebecca (2d daughter Col. John).. 39,79,380 
Rebecca(6thdaughter) [Whiteman] Birth 80, 380 

-Child of 380 

—Death of 332, 380 

— Epitaph of 380 

— Marriage of 93 

Robert (of Piqua, Ohio) 91 

Robert (of Springfield, Ohio) 38:'. 

Rosanna (daughter Col.) Birth of . . . 3!), 79, 380 

—Death of 333, 380 

Sarah (Noble) Mrs 359, 360 

Stephen (son Col. . I.. lin [.\nderson] as Lieut. 56 

— at Annapolis 82 

—Birth of 39,79 

—Burial of 103 

— Correspondence of 371 

— Death of 79, 103 

— Epitaph of 380 

— Marriage of 93, 330 



Stephen (of Droumsluice) [Noble] 358-360 

Stephen 2d (of Droumsluice) [Bernard] — 

— Children of 20 

— Death of 20, 2S 

— in Ireland 19 

—Marriage of 20 

— Reached .A.nrerica 20 

—Settled in Pennsylvania 20 

Stephen (of Fort Wayne) [Caldwell] — 

—Birth ..f 382 

— Death of 89, 381, 382 

— Indian Agent 89, 381 

— Marriage of 20, 381 

Stephen (of Goblusch) 17-19 

Stephen (of Mo., son Stephen, of Piqua) 382 

Stephen (of Piqua) [Garnsey] 382 

Uretta (Garnsey) (Wife Stephen of Piqua) . 382 

William (of Droumsluice) [Irvine] 3,57, 360 

William (son of Stephen 2d) [Shaw] 21) 

William Bernard (son of Col. John) .... 80, 100 
William C. (son of Stephen of Piqua). . . 381 , 382 

William, Jr. (of Piqua, Ohio) 91 

Jones, Davis [ ] 334 

Elizabeth (Johnston) see Elizabeth Johnston — 

George W.[ ] 331 

George W. ( ) (Mrs.) 334. 345, 346 

John D. [Johnston] 93, 102, 333, 334, 345 

Susan J. [Steele] 429 

Walter St. John 334 

William (Sir) 169 

WUliam Graham (Col.) 334 

Jonesboro, Kentucky 8 

Jmiiata River, Pennsylvania 123 

K 

Kaskaskia, Illinois 177 185 

Kearney, General 102 

Keating, Mr 49 

Kellogg, Alice B. (Whicher) Mrs 424 

Howard S. [Whicher] 424 

Kelly, Robert 48 

Kemper, Bishop 330 

Kenesaw Mountain, Georgia 421 , 422 

Kennedy, Thomsis (Col.) 228 

Kenton, Simon, as a Spy 170 

as a Brigadier-General 170 



Ch: 



of . 



. U'J 



Death of 170 

in Duiiiuore Campaign 134-140, 169 

in Illinois Campaign 178 

in Kentucky Invasion 263 

in Miami Campaign 228 

Kentucky Life of 146-170 

Land Holdings of 170 

Portrait of 170 

Sketch of 170 

Surveys of 254 

Tributes to 112 

Kenton's, Kentucky 162 



INDEX TO THE VOLUME 
Kentucky-Lincoln County- 



Kentucky Became Independent State 238,263 

Buffaloes in 141 

( abin Itights 141-147 

Convention 237 

Corn Rights 145-147 

County Changes 237 

Earliest Printed History 254 

First Apple Orchard 147 

—College in the West • 240 

—Drove of Cattle in 138 

— Emancipation Bill 172 

— Governor of 175 

—Indian Depredation 145 

—Legislature 172, 263 

— Monument to Revolutionary Dead 188 

—Printed History of 254 

— Roasted Corn in 147 

— .Snap Beans in 147 

— Vine Growers' Association 247 

Frontier of 186.212 

Gazette 246. 247, 2.53 

Hard Winter (1779-1780) 195, 202 

Hatchet Rights of 147 

Hunting Grounds for Indians 164 

Immigrants 203 

m 177.5 149 

in 1790 248 

Indian Fights in 1.50-175, 1S3-234 

Last Indian Invasion 263 

Meaning of the Name 140 

Military Force of 219 

— Ori^anization 211 

Natural Advantages of 136, 201 

Opposition to Slavery 268 

Pioneer Dress 141 

—Life in 200-208 

Presbyterian Church in 243 

Prospecting Expedition 136-141 

Sabbath Breaking Prohibited 236 

.Separation from Virginia 236-238 

Separatists 236 

Swearing Prohibited 236 

Volunteers 35-36 

Wild Animals in 149 

Kentucky River 41,67, 123. M.j, 14S 

King Family 280 

William 268, 303 

Kingston, Kentucky 141 

Kipling, Rudyard 238 

Knox, Henry (Gen.) 40 

Kosciusko, Thaddeus 40 

Kuttawa, Kentucky Ill, 278, 387 

L 

Lake Champlain, New York 15! 

Lake Krie, I ihio 41,63,71.291 

Lake Indians 214 

Lancaster. Pennsylvania 37, 123. 200 

County, Pennsylvanial 120-136, 195, 196 



Land, Government 32.33, 145, 191 

Law 32, 145 184 

Patents 393, 399 

Laramie, Ohio 32,35 58,71 

Lasselle, Antoine 69 

Lawrence, Joseph (Col.) 4 

Lawsuits 6,7, 144-145. 184. 249. 251. 390. 399 

Layton . Joseph (Major-Gen.T 302 

Leard. James 364 

Lebanon, Ohio 335 

Road, Ohio 34,98,334 

Lee, Richard Henry (Col.) 59 

Leestown, Kentucky 140 

Legionville, Pennsylvania 30 

Lewis. General 134,135,136 

Lewistown, Ohio 62 

Lexington, Kentucky Block House . . 187, 188 

Cabin Schools in 265 

Early Builders of 187 

Exodus from 276 

First Advanced School 240 

— Board of Trustees of 244 

— Bookstore of 241 

— Cemetery of 245 

— Church of 244 

— C'onrt House of 245 

—Fire Engine 246 

—Home of Col. Patterson in 198 

— House in 187, 188 

— Legislature Meets at 263 

— Library of 241 

—Minister of 244 

— Monument to Re\ olutionary Dead 188 

— New.spaper in 241 

— Printing Office in 241 

— School House in 2.39 

— Simday School for Negroes 246 

. — Vine Growers' Association 247 

Founded by Colonel Patterson Ill 

Hardships of Founders of 142 

in 1793 265 

Naming the Town 143 

Old Block House at 188 

Patterson Family Leave 112, 276 

—Property in 191. 2&S. 271 , 385 

Real Beginning of 142 

Site of 147 

Transylvania Library 241 

—University 240 

Where the Settlement Began 187 

Liberty Gap 422 

Licking River, Kentucky Indians on Banks 148 

Mouth of the 211.226,231,253,257 

Surveys near 144 

Ligonier, Penn.sylvania 4, 123, 197 

Limestone. Kentucky 162, 197. 2,56. 396, 400 

Lincoln, Abraham ITod.M 206 

Mary I Todd) 172 

Lincoln County, Kentucky 237 



INDEX TO THE VOLUME 
Lindsay-McNutt, Joseph 

Lindsay, Arthur 188 

Elizabeth [Patterson] see Patterson, Eliz... — 

Henry 196. 252, 256 

Hetty ( )Mr3 2.52 

.Tames [ ] 187, 188, 192. 252 

Joseph 147, 187-192, 224, 252 

Margaret (Ewing) Mrs 127, 252 

Sally ( )Mrs 252 

WUliam 125. 126, 160. 252 

WUliamJr. (son W.) [Ewing]. . . .127, 160. 196 

WiUiam.2d (son W. Jr.) . 127, 147. 196. 252, 277 

Lindsay's Springs, Kentucky 147 

Linn, William (Major) 1S2 

Little Miami. Ohio 164,208,209,267 

Little Turtle and the Boundary Line 32 

at Colonel Johnston's Home 84 

Burial of 50 

Character of 48, 49, 74 

Death of 40,41,50 

Eloquence of 40 

Home Life of 40.41 

in Battle 229, 261 

Meeting with Kosciusko 40 

Little York, Ohio 97 

Livingston, Ohio 304 

Logan (Indian Chief) 51,62.74,228,229. 

Logan, Benjamin Death of 173 

in Dunmore Campaign 134-6, 169 

in Illinois Campaign 219 

in Kentucky 1.39. 237 

in Miami Expedition l.S9-190,229 

Military Record of 172 

Logan's Fort . Kent ucky 163. 172 

Logansport. Indiana 382 

Londonderry. Ireland 116, 118. 129 

Long Island, New York 153 

Loraine, Ohio 293 

Losantiville.Ohio (see Cincinnati) 256-264 

Loss Creek, Ohio 73 

Louisville, Kentucky 93, 103, 182, 400 

Lowe, Peter P 94, 363 

Lowry, Lieutenant 30 

Stephen 139, 140 

Lucas, Governor 363 

Ludlow Falls 334 

Station ,34 

Ludlow Family 34 

Isi ael 256-258, ,397, 402 

M 

Mac Donald. Henry 245 

Macochek,Ohio .228,229,230 

Mad River, Ohio Bridge 95 

Fighting at 209, 230 

Indian Villages on 1,54, 208 

Mementoes of 211 

Madison, Wisconsin 6. 10 

Madison. Jtimes 45, 73, 291 . 29S 

-Manning, Enos 91 



Marshall, Henry 395 

Mr 219,237 

Rev. Robert 270 

Martin's Station. Kentucky 208, 256 

Maryland .i, 121, 128 

Mason, George 179, 185 

Masterson, James 162,187, 188,229 

Maumee Bay, Ohio 62 

River. Ohio 294 

Maxwell Family (of Nithe.sdale) !<» 

John 187. 188. 392. 39.". 

May, Mr ,35 

Maysville, Kentucky 15'), 162, 197, 241, 256 

McArthur. Duncan (Col.) 294 

McBride. Mr 14^. 221 

McClain. Senator 4 

McClellan, John 139, 140, 146 

Robert 1.34, 137, 139 

McClellan's Station, Kentucky Attack on... 145 

Building the Fort 146 

Guard Duty at 147 

McClure. WiUiam 312 

McConnell, Abraham 399 

Alexander 141, 187-189, 199 

Family 98, 138 

Francis, Sr 139, 391 , 393 

Francis, Jr 139, 148 

Joseph 394 

William, Appeal for Troops 409 

—as Explorer 1 38-141 

— at Harrodsburg 175 

— at Lexington 187-189 

—Claim of 392, 393 

McConnell'.'. Station, Kentucky ... 212 

Mc(.'orkle, John 91 

McDowell, Samuel 237 

McDremond, Fr,ancis 140 

McGary. Mr 220, 228, 229 

Mcllvaine, Bishop 92, 330 

Mclntire Family 34 

McKee, Andrew I 428 

Eliza S. (Irwin) Mrs 428 

J. H. D 428 

James S 428 

Katherine Irwin 428 

Lewis W. [Irwin] 428 

Logan 428 

Louise W 428 

Meriam 428 

McKeestown. Ohio 228 

McKinney, John 239 

McLean, Mary (Patterson) Mrs., see Patterson — 

Milton A , [Patterson] 93, 330 

McMahon, Major 31 

McMillen, Gideon (Rev.) 92 

McMillion, Samuel .397. 398 

McNair, Mary C. ( Whicher) Mrs 423 

Sydnor [Whicher] 423 

McNutt, Joseph 155,157,1.59 



INDEX TO THE VOLI^ME 



Meason-Nisbet, R. P. 



Meason. Anna Houston [Whicher] 424 

Mcchanicsburg, Ohio 34 

Meigs, General 48 

Governor 293 

Mercer's, Oliio 280 

Meshcquana^hqua 40 

Methoinas 62 

Miami County, Oliio 25.46,291 

Indiana 40-.W, 70-71, 189, 230 

River. Oliio 32,62.211,270.302 

River Canal, Ohio 305, 30(5 

Valley, Ohio 33, 190, 226, 267, 305 

Miamisburg, Ohio 335, 345 

Michigan 30, 41 

Middletown, Ohio 293, 345 

Mifflin County, Pennsylvania 20 

Military Road, Pennsylvania 124 

Mill Creek, Ohio 231 

Miller, John .419 

Mineral Point, Wisconsin 430 

Mingo Indians 135, 146 

Mississineva, Indiana 280, 295 

Mississippi River 49, 76, 177 

Missouri iSlatpl 67, 171 

River 41 

Mitchell, Andrew 429 

Anna 429 

Ben 429 

David 187,245,391 

Edward 155, 158 

G. W. [Steele] 429 

Georgette 429 

Lizzie [Steele], Mrs 429 

Mohawk Indians 54 

Mohican Indians 72 

Molunthe 228.229 

Money of the Colonies 254. 255 

Monmouth, New Jersey 176 

Monongahela River, Pennsylvania 30 

Monroe, Ohio 336 

-Monroe, Jeremiah (Senator) 48 

Montgomery, General 69 

John (Captain) 162, 1S2, 184 

Montgomery County, Ohio 300,331,338,415 

Moore, Andrew 429 

Carrie Wolcott [Patrick] 429 

James (Rev.) 240 

Maria (Steele) Mrs 429 " 

Patterson 429 

Richard 429 

SallieS 429 

W. R. [Steele] 429 

Morgan, Colonel 3, 121 

Morrison Family 34 

James 187, 416 

Thomas 94 

Morrow, Ohio 292 

Morse. Judge 334 

Moxmd Builders 87 



Mount Auburn. Ohio 350 

Muhlenberg, Peter (Rev.) 37 

Mulberry, Kentucky 387 

Muncie Indians 45, 70, 72 

Munsell, Le\i 33 

Muscatine, Iowa 287, 422, 423 

Muskingum River. Ohio 134. 135, 138 

Muster Prairie, Ohio 280 

Mythe, G 186 

N 

National Cash Register C!o 282, 342. 42 1 

Negro Slavery 172. 265. 3 13. 314 

Nelson.I.D. G. (Hon.) 38 

Netherland. Benjamin 225,391,400 

Newcom. Mr 34 

New England 201 

New Jersey 120.252.253 

New Lexington. Ohio 128. 276, 287, 299, 344 

New Orleans, Louisiana 280, 286 

New York, N. Y 16, 379, 38! 

Niagara Falls, N. Y 63 

Nisbet, Amanda James 277. 428 

Captain (son of William) S 6 

Charlotte Amelia 428 

Daniel Lindsay 428 

Elizabeth ( Patterson). See Patterson, Eliz. — 

Elizabeth Patterson (.Miss) 277, 428 

Harriet Patterson at Cinciimati 287 

—at Dayton 97, 287, 307, 319, 334, 344 

— at West Alexandria 287 

— Bioffrapluc .Material from 3.4,6 

—Birth of 2S7 , 428 

—Burial of 287,431 

—Death of 287, 428 

—Girlhood of 287, 307, 313. 319. 32S 

—Quoted 3. 4. 6, 313 

Jack 95 

James Irwin (PattorsJon] as Executor ... .419 

— a.s Legatee 417 

—at New Lexington 286 

-Birth of 286. 428 

—Burial of 428 

—Death of 319. 428 

—Family of 428 

—in Army L','-6. -.'iU . 428 

—in Business 295, 299 

—in Diiylon 280. 283. 317 

—Marriage of 2S6. 428 

— Military Services 2,S6. 294. 428 

John Jackson 428 

Marylrwn 307.428 

Rebecca Jane 428 

Robert Patterson (Dr.) at Dayton. 95. 307, 344 

— at New Lexington 287 

—Birth of 428 

—Cane of 303 

—Death of 428 

—Quoted 128, 248 



INDEX TO THE VOLUME 
Nisbet, William-Patterson, Elizabeth 



WiUiam (son of James Irwin) 428 

WiUiam , Jr. (son of William) 428 

William (father of James) at Falling Springsl96 

—at Fort Pitt 138 

—Burial of 428 

—Quoted 124, 128, 268 

— Reminiscences of 5, 123 

Nithesdale, Scotland 16 

Noble, Isabella [Hamilton] 359 

Sarah [Johnstone] 359 

Thomas 359 

Noel, { atlierine P. (Brown) Mrs 425 

Edmund B. [Brown] 425 

Elizabeth lieewright 425 

Norfolk , Virginia 371 

North Bend. Ohio 253 

Northwest Territory . . .32, 62, 176-182, 253, 276 
Nye, Bill Quoted 201,243 

o 

Odlin, Mr 363 

Ohio, Debt to General ( lark 174 

— Episcopal Church in 91 

—First Auditor of 33 

— Immigrants to 199 

— Land Contests in 210 

Falls 134, 182,208 

River. Broad Horns on 139 

—Caldwell's Expedition along 214 

—Clark Expedition at 227 

— Dunmore Expedition at 136 

—Immigrants on 140,148,197,200,254 

—Indians on 140, 148, 197, 200, 214 

— Troops on 176 

Old Chilhcothe, Ohio 164. 189, 209, 210 

Old Town, Ohio 164, 189, 223 

Orchard Knob, Tennessee 422 

Ormsby , Oliver 33 

Ottawa Indians 54,62.70 

Owen. Henry 399 

Oxford 25 



Palmyra, Missouri 343 

Parberry , James 187 

Paris. France 383 

Paris, Kentucky 2S8 

Parker, James 397, 398 

Robert .397, 398 

Parrott. H. E 421 

Partridge. Colonel 334 

Pashetowa 73 

Path Valley, Pennsylvania 69 

Patrick, Carrie W. (Moore) Mrs 429 

Charles C. [Moore] 429 

Charles C, Jr 429 

Dinsmore 429 

Laura Dinsmore [Steele] 429 

Marguerite [Steele] 429 



Patterson, Ann (daughter Robert. Lancaster) 120 

Anne Love 430 

Arthur (of Lancaster) 129 

Arthur (of Shelby\'ille) 251,387 

Arthur (son Francis of Bedford) . . 125, 129. 251 
Arthur Stewart (son of Jefferson) Birth of . 343 

—Burial of 432 

— Death of 352 

— Family Reunion 345 i 

Catherine (daughter Arthur, Shelbyville) . . 387 

Catherine [Brown] [Irwin] [Phillips] — 

—Birth of 249,277,424 

—Burial of 277, 4:11 

-Children of 277, 424 

— Correspondence of 292,316.407 

—Death of '-'77, 424 

—in Dayton 278, 334 

— Legatee 417,418 

—Marriages of 277, 288. 289, 317, 424, 427 

— Portrait of 288 

— Reunion :vt Rubicon Farm 344 

—Tributes to 2S7, 288, 289 

Catherine (Perry) (Wife Francis. Bedford).. — 

—Col. Robert's Wedding Visit 196 

—Family of 251 

—Kindness of 124 

— JIarriage of 123 

Catherine Phillips (daughter Jefferson )Birth 341 

—Burial of 432 

—Death of 350 

— Famil,v Reunion 344 

Cillbertson (son of Shaker John) ... 3. 123. 1 96 
Dorothy Foster (daughter of John H.) . . ix. 431 
Elizabeth (daughter Col.) [Nisbet] Birth . . 277 

—Children of 428 

— Corresjiondence of 277 

—Death of 318. 428 

— in Lexington 265 

— Legatee 418 

— Marriage of 277, 286 

Elizabeth .1. (daughter Jefferson) at Piqua. .333 

—Birth of 332 

— Burial of 432 

, —Death of .342, 349 

Elizabeth (Lindsay) Mrs. (Wife Col. liob.) — 

—Betrothal of 161, 195 

— Birth of 127 

— Burial of 329 

^Character of 301 

— Children of 232, 205, 27(; 

— Correspondence of 113, 192, 408-412 

—Courtship of 127. 161, 195 

—Death of 304, 328 

—Estate of 329 

— Falling Springs Life. .124-127. 141, 160. 195 

— First Kentucky Home 198 

—Funeral of 328 

— in W.arof 1812 292-297 

— Leaving Lexington 271.276,277 



INDEX TO THE VOLUME 



Patterson, Elizabeth (continued)-Patterson, 

Patterson, Klizalnth Legatee 417 

— l/cxington Life of 197-208. 232-264 

— Marriage of 196 

—Religions Work of 296. 301 

—Rheumatism of 296 

— Uuliicon Farm Life of 278-328 

—Stockade Life of 199 

— WetMing Journey of 197 

Family 2,3.7.17.11.5,122.129 

Francis (of Bedford) [ ] [Perry] — 

— Came to America 119 

-Death of 251 

— Knlling Springs Life 127 

—Family of 123 

—in Bedford Comity 122. 123, 136, 196 

—in Business 125, 137 

—in Kentucky 129 

—in Revolutionary War 3, 120, 121 

—Lawsuit 7, 249-251 . 390-391 

—Will of 251.402.403 

Francis (son Francis of Bedford)123-125. 2.50-1 
Francis (son Col. Robert) Birth of 249. 277. 343 

—Death of 277, .343 

— Family Reunion 345 

— Father's Deathbed 317, 32S 

—in Army 293. 302 

—in Business 280, 292, 293 

—in Lexington 265 

—in Missouri 329 

— Legatee 417 

Francis J. (son .left.) [.Shaw] at Dayton 345-352 

-Birth of 342 

—Burial of 4.-i2 

—Death of 351.353.431 

—Family of 431 

— Marriage of 431 

— Portrait of 351 

Frank (son of Cant. Robert) 430.432 

Frank Stuart 431 

Frederick Beck ix.431 

George 414 

Harriet (daughter Col.) [Stoddard] Birth .249 

—Burial of 277. .307. 431 

—Children of 277. 3(J7 

—Death of 277.307 

— Girlhood of 290 

— Legatee 418 

—Marriage of 277. 307 

.lames (of Dayt(m) 268 

Jane (daughter Francis of Bedford). .. 123. 251 
.Tane (daughter Col.) [.Steele] Birth 277.290.429 

—Burial of 277 

—Children of 277. 429 

— Com))Osition of 405 

— De.ath of 277, 429 

—Girlhood of 290 

—Illness of 113 

—Legatee 418 

— Marriage of 277, 428 



Julia 

PAGE 

Jane (wife of Francis of Bedford) 123 

Jefferson (son of Francis J.) 431 

Jefferson (son Col. Robert) Birth 249, 277. 309 

—Boyhood of 290, 309, 310 

— Burial of 431 

—Children of .332. 341-.345 

— Cincinnati Pioneer 417 

—Comes of Age 308 

—Courtship of 93-94 

—Dayton Life of 98 

— Death of 350 

— Executor 419 

— Family Papers 6 

— Family Reunion 344 

— Fourth of July Celebration 94 

— Free Mason 94 

—His Father's Death-bed 317 

—His Father's Pension 4. 105 

—in Business 302. 318-329. 3.38 

— in Legislature 348 

— Jefferson Street Property 98 

—Legatee 318., 329. 417 

—Letters of .304-369 373 376.410 

—Marriage of 95-97, 277, 327 

— Moved to Rubicon Farm 98 

—Portrait of 350 

— Religious Life of 99 

—Rubicon Farm Lite of 98, 323-350 

—Tributes to 309, 350-352 

Jefferson Stuart 430 

John (Emigrant ancestor, son Rob.) 5, 119, 120 
John (son Robert, Lane). .3, 119, 120, 196, 283 

John (of Londonderry) 116,117, 118 

John (.Shaker) (cousin Col.) "Sir Oracle" .. 196 

—Dayton Life of 276, 283 

—Deed to Shakers 291, 414-415 

—Family History Furnished by 127, 128 

—on Beaver Oeek 268 

—Shaker Village Life 268, 291 

John Henry (son Jefferson) [Beck] Birth of 341 

—Boyhood of 347 

—Children of 431 

— Family History of 2 

— Family Reunion 344 

—in the Civil War 421, 422 

—Letter to 387 

— Li^-ing in Dayton 352-353 

—Marriage of 3.52,431 

—National Cash Register Works. .2S2. 342, 421 

—Portrait with His Children 1 

—Rubicon Farm Property 270 

John Johnston (son of Jefferson) 330,432 

John Johnston (sonCapt. Robert) . 378. 430 
Julia (Johnston) (wife Jefferson) Birth..79. 277 

—Character of 15. 334-349 

— ChUdhood of 84-89 

— c:hildren of 98. 329-333, 341-343 

— Courtship of 94 

— Correspondence of 361 . 365-377 



INDEX TO THE VOLUME 
Patterson, Julia ( continued )-Patterson, Robert 



Patterson, Julm Dayton Life of .13-15,97,352 

—Death of 13, 15,352,353 

— Experiences of Her Life 13, 14 

— Left Rubicon Farm 352 

—Marriage of 84,93,96,277 

— Moved to Third Street, Dayton 352 

— Personal Appearance 13, 14, 339 

—Portrait of . 13, 14,331,339 

— Rubicon Farm Life of 94, 98, 323-352 

— Tributes to 15 

Julia Johnston (daughter Stepiien J.) 430 

Julia (Shaw) Mrs 352, 431 

Julia Wingate (daughter Jefferson) [Crane] — 

— liirthof .S45 

—Children of 431 

—in Dayton 270,353 

—Marriage of 352,431 

— Rubicon Farm Property 270 

Kathcrine Dudley (Beck) Mrs 352, 431 

Katherine Johnston [Davies] 430 

Lucy (Dun) Mrs 352, 430 

Margaret [Venable] [Welsli] [Caldwell] ., . — 

—Birth of 249,277,422 

— Children of 287 

— Correspondence of 269 

—Death of 287, 422 

— Interment of 422 

—Legatee 418 

— Marriagesof 277,287,290,422 

— Member of Bible Society 296 

Margaret ( ) (wife Rob., Lancaster)... 119 

Mary ( ) (wife Emigrant John) 119 

Mary (daughterFrancis, Bed.) [Ewingl.. 125, 251 
Mary 2d (daughter Francis of Betlford) 12.5, 251 
Mary (daughter Robert of Lancaster) .119. 123 

Mary Perrme (daughter of Francis J.) 431 

Man, (ThomaslMrs. 421,430 

Mary Thomas (.daughter Capt. Robert) 430 

Phoebe ( ) Mrs 276,291,414 

Rachel Robin-son (daughter Jefferson) Birth 3:^0 

— Burial of 432 

— Christening of 330 

—Death of 98. 330 

Rebecca (daughter Col.) [Goodlet] liirt h . . 277 

— Correspondence of 410 

— Legatee 418 

—Marriage 270. 277. 286 

-.School-Days of 265 

Robert i Col.) (of Lexington) Ancestors 115-123 

— as Bridge CoTumissioner 282 

— as Business Man 283-3i)6 

—as Captain 209, 211, 405 

—as Colonel 211, 217 

— as Delegate 245 

— as Forage-Master 295, 416 

— as Hunter 265 

— as Justice of the Peace 248, 401 

— as Legislator 26". 

— aa Pack-Trainmaster 294 



— as Public Spirited Citizen . 235-248, 270-314 

— as Quartermaster 292, 416 

— as Road Supervisor 247 

— as Second Lieutenant 185. 389 

— as Senatorial Candidate 286 

— as Sergeant 178 

— as Sheriff 237 

—as Slave-Holder 312-314 

— as Surveyor 128, 144 

— at FaUing Springs 127, 160, 195 

—Bedford Life of 123-125 

—Birth of 123 

—Blue Licks Battle of 112, 219-226 

—Bowman Campaign "f 112, 113, 189-191 

—Boyhood of 124-125 

— Bryan's Station Siege 213 -219 

—Burial of 315 

— Cane Run Lands of 145, 268 

— Carriage of 330 

—Chair of 271 

—Children of 232, 265, 276 

— Cincinnati Experience. 112, 253-265, 397-401 

— Cincinnati Interests Sold 265 

—Clark Campaign of ... 112, 162, 175-185, 208 

—Courtship of 127, 161, 195 

—Cradle of 267 

—Dayton Life of 270-318 

—Death of 315,317 

— Dunmore Campaign 128, 134-136 

— Escape from the Indians 221-225 

—Family Sleigh of 336 

— Fiftieth Anniversary 269 

— First Kentucky Home of 198 

— Hunting Knife of 138 

— in Kentucky Convention 227 

—in Lancashire Rifles 128-134 

—in Pennsyl. Rangers . . 134-137, 161, 175-184 

— in Virginia Line 227 

—Indiana Lands of 184 

— Indian Fights i.f 128-234, 260-263 

—Kentucky Life of Ill, 128, 137-276 

— Kindness of Heart 266 

—Land Claims of 144-145, 184, 390-399 

—Land Patents of 393. 399 

—Lawsuits of 6, 138. 184, 249 

— Leaving Lexington Home 271, 276 

—Letters of 113, 395, 397, 404-410 

—Lexington Lands of 191, 268 

—Lexington Life of 111, 142-147. 163, 186-272 

—Logan Campaign of 112,172,228-230 

— Map of His Dayton Land 283 

— Map of His Lexington Land 385 

— Marriage of 196 

— Material for this Biography 3 

— Pen.sion of 4, 5, 114, 161, 267, 316, 406 

— Personal Appearance 114, 275. 302 

— Pittsburg Expedition of 155-161 

— Portrait of 114 

^Powder Horn of 1 63 



INDEX TO THE VOLUME 



Patterson, Robert (continued)-Pioneers 

Patterson, U. Purchase of Clifton Lands 268, 27i i 

—Purchase of Dayton Lands 268, 270, 281 

—Religious Life of 244,311,312 

— Retired from Mihtary Life 276 

— Royal Springs Life of 141-142 

—Rubicon Farm Life of 270:il,S 

— Sale of ancinnati Lands 265-26S 

—Sale of Lexington Lands 191, 26,S 

— Security for .lohn Arthur 266 

—St. Clair Campaign 260 -262 

—Sweet Arrow Farm Life 127-128, 13r, 

— Tomb of 315 

-Tributes to 111-115,128,152,264 

—Trips to Dayton 268, 270 

— Turkey-Foot Fork Lands 184 

— Wedding Journey of 197 

—Will of 113, 416-419 

Robert (son Arthur oi Shelbyville) ... 251, 387 
Robert (son Jolin of Londonderry) . .117,118 
Robert (son Robert, Lancaster) . . 120, 124, 129 
Robert (son Jefferson) [Thomas] Birth.329. 4:i() 

—Burial of 432 

—Children of 430 

— Christening of 329 

— Cincinnati Life of 333 

—Death of 353, 421, 430 

—in avil War 349,419-421 

— in Memoriam 420, 421 

—Marriage of 421, 430 

— Member of Loyal Legion 41!» 

— National Cash Register Works 421 

— Portrait of 349 

—Tributes to 419, 420 

— Upper Piqua Life 330 

— Volunteer's Discharge 426 

—War Career of 349, 419-421 

Robert (of Lancaster) 5, 119 

Robert (son of Capt. Robert) 430 

Robert Dun 430 

Robert Lindsay (son Col.) Birth of .. .249,277 

—Burial of 277, 431 

— Daj'ton Life of 306 

—Death of 277, 328 

— Executor 419 

—Father's Death-Bed 317 

— in Business 280, 302, 317-319 

— Legatee 417 

—School Life of 290, 309 

Stephen .1. Johnston (son Jefferson) [Dun]. . ■ — 

—Birth of 333 

— ChUdren of 430 

— Family Reunion 344 

—in Civil War 421, 422 

— in Dayton 353 

—Marriage of 352,430 

— Rubicon Farm Property 270 

Thomas (son .\rthur of Shelby^-ille) . . . 387, 38S 
Thomas (son Robert of Lancaster) . . ,120-123 
Thomas (son Francis of Bedford) 125, 251 



PAOE 

William (son of Col. Robert) 213.232,276 

William (son Francis, Bedf.) at Blue Licks .16! 

—at Harrodsburg 161, 185 

—in Bedford County 125 

— in Business with Col. Robert 166 

—Land Oaim 144 

William Lindsay (son Jefferson) Birth of . . 331 ) 

—Burial of 432 

—Death of 421 

—in the War 349, 421, 422 

—Portrait of 343 

— Rubicon Farm 344 

—Upper Piqua 100, 333 

WiUiam Lindsay (son of Col. Robert).. .232. 276 

Patterson Creek, PennsyKviiiia 122. 123 

Paxtang. Pennsylvania 122 

Payne, Kdward 398 

WiUiMm 398 

Peace Year 148 

Peacock Dinner 346 

Pearson. Henry 334 

Pease. Peter 414 

Peirce. Joseph 303 

Pennsylvania Frontier of 121 

Iri-^h Immigrants 121 

Sf. .tch-Irish Settlers in 122 

Perrlne, Henry 334 

J.,hnston 94,348 

Perry, Captain 293 

Catherine [Patterson] 123. 124 

David and Sinking Spring Tract 391 

— I'ighting the Indians 391 

— in Dnnmore Campaign 134-140, 169 

—in Kentucky 140-1.59 

Pc-rrs . Pennsylvania 122 

Philadelphia John Johnston in 27 

M.vlicil College at 287 

Militiamen from 260 

Stephen Johnston Landed at 20 

Phillips, Catherine C (Patterson) see Patterson — 

Dickinson 334. 348 

Horatio G. [Irwin] 277, 303. 311, 334-345 

T. () 334 

Piatt. Jvdia [Steele] 429 

Pickaway i'lains, West Virginia 4, 135, 136 

Pierce. (Captain 31, 33 

Pigeon Roost, Indiana 73.230 

Pinkerton, Kate [Steele] 430 

Pinnacles, Ohio 335 

Pioneers Ihnigrant Boat of 139 

Letters of 8 

Life „f 38-82, 197-206 

Religion of 8, 90, 242-244 

School Days of 84 

Spelling of 8 

Statesmen 236-238 

Travel 29, 30, 85, 197, 200 

Type of 186 

University 240 



INDEX TO THE VOLUME 



Piqua-Scott 

PIqua, Ohio Battle at 70 

Hible Society of 92 

Churches of 33, 91-99 

Col. Johnston Left lUl 

Daily Life at 81-89 

Family Burial Lot 46, 106 

Fiist Corn Planting 34 

—Settlers . . . : 34, 85 

Flood of 1793 34 

Fort 46-47, 70-71, 83 

Homestead at S3 

Hospitality at 82, S4 

Indians at 46,70,82-89,210,220 

Johnstons at 65-108 

—Settled at 71 

Log School House at 84 

Meaning of the Name 46 

Views of 46,51-.55,66,70 

Pittsburg, Penu 20-30, 1.54, 176,200 

Pluggy (Mingo Chief) 140 

Point Pleasant 134-140, 155, 1,59, 162 

Polk, W. H 10, 191,390,393 

Pontiac 48, 124 

Post St. Vinceut 181, 185 

Potawatamie Indians 45 

Potomac River 5. 121, 123 

Preble County, Ohio 128, 2S6, 291, 302 

Presbyterian Church 115-118 

Price, Douglas (Dr.) [Steele] 429 

Ehzabeth (Steele) Mrs 429 

Jennie [Tarlton] 429 

John 429 

Princeton, Kentucky 387 

Pugsley Family 334 

Purviance, David 312 

Harmon Montgomery [Brown] 425 

Harmon Muutgoinery, Jr 425 

James , , 268 

Sarah B. (Brown) Mrs 425 

Putnam, Franklin (Rev.) 329, 330 



Ranck, George W 112, 142. 148, 187, 188, 240 

Randolph, F, 396 

Rankin, Adam (Rev.) 244 

Redhawk ] 62 

Red Jacket 54, 229 

Red Ruth, England 430 

Redstone Old Fort, Pennsylvania 29 

Reid, David 303,414 

David (Mrs) 298 

Rencher, Sallie D. [Anderson] 427 

Resaca, CJeorgia 421 , 422 

Reynolds, .\aron 112, 212-223 

Eleanor (Johnston) Mrs 383 

Elizabeth Johnston [Burt] 382, 383 

James KeU 382 

Johnston 382 

Katherine Johnston [Watson] 382, 383 



Mary Lansdale [Coleman] [Wallace]345,377. 382 
Rachel (Johnston) see Johnston. Rachel.. . — 

Rebecca Johnston [Stewart] 382. 383 

William A. [Johnston] 93, 330, 382 

Rhode Island 153 

Rice, David 240 

Riddle, John (Col.) 33 

Rinson, J 91 

Robb, Mr 61 

Robertson, Chief Justice 203 

Donald 173 

Robinson, Captain John 293 

Rachel [Johnston] see Johnston, Rachel . . — 

Reverend 2S0 

Rosanna 37 

Rocheblave, Philip (Capt.) 178-184 

Rochester, Vermont 423 

Roosevelt...58. Ill, 133. 150. 152, 179-181, 219-229 

Ross, Ireland 360 

Ross, Sarah 367 

Roth, William 94 

Royal Spring. Kentucky 141-154, 2.56, 271 

Rubicon Creek 303, 319 

Rubicon Farm Copper Kettle at 308 

Family Group at 331 

Fire at the Mills 298 

First House at .- . . . 278 

First View of 278 

Grist Mill at 297 

HospitaUty at 279, 300, 327 

Kentucky Horses at 285,310.332 

Lawn at 299, 327, 331 

Monument at 101 

Old Gate 347 

Old Log Mill 338 

Present Ownership of 270 

Purchase of 270 

School House at the Point 349 

Second House at 300 

Spring House at 324 

Sugar Camp at 279,326 

View of 335, 342 

Ruddell's Station, Kentucky 208, 256 



Salaries of Government Officers 60 

Salt Creek, Kentucky 140, 149 

Lick, Kentucky .140 

San Pasquale, California 102, 379 

Sanrlers, Robert 145 

Sandusky (City) Ohio .56, 62, 63, 150 

River 35, 62, 304 

Schenck, Jane [Irwin] 427 

Robert C 94 

Schermerhorn's Treaty 56 

School Days of Pioneer.s 84 

Scioto River, Ohio 135, 267, 295 

Scotland 115-118,201 

Scott, General 35, 263 



INDEX TO THE VOLUME 



Seaver-Stillwater 



Seaver, Archer VV. (Skinner] 427 

Charley Anderson 427 

Marion C. (Skinner) Mrs 427 

Seneca Indians 40, 45, 54, 62, 70, iri:) 

Seneca-town, Ohio 02 

Separatists 236 

Shaker Village. Ohio 291, 292, 298, 414 

Shannon, Hugh 187, 395 

Sharp, Nathan 414 

Shaw, Julia [Patterson) 352,431 

Mary (Johnston] 20 

Shawanoese Indians 36-71, 126, 228 

Shawnee Indians 172 

Shearman's Valley, Pennsylvania 26, 129 

Shelby, Isaac (Gov.) 175, 263 

Shelby County , Ohio 76 

Kentucky 173, 175, 251 

Shelby vUle, Kentucky 129, 175, 251 

Shellabarger, John 95 

Shepherd, Colonel 4, 161, 162 

Shiloh, Tennessee 422 

Short, Peyton 281 

Shoshone Indians 89 

Sidon, Ireland. 359 

Sinking Spring Tract, Kentucky 391, 394 

Sippo Creek, West Virginia . 135 

Skinner, Bartley [Wilcox] 427 

Uell (Anderson) Mrs 427 

Charline Anderson [Jessup] 427 

Eliza Anderson [Ferguson] 427 

Frederick H., Jr 427 

Isabel 427 

Marion Catlett (Seaver] 427 

Mary L. (Wilcox) Mrs 427 

Thomas C. (Anderson] 427 

ThonmsC, Jr 427 

SlabCurreucy 339 

Slavery Question 172,205,314 

Sleighing Parties 335 

Smith, Doctor 363 

William M. (Gen.) 311 

Snodgrass, William 312 

Soldiers Retreat, Kentucky .344 

Solway Firth, Scotland 15 

Soul(5, Bishop 68 

Sowaghquothe 35 

Speed, Thomas 200 

Spelling of Early Settlers 8 

Spining, Charles 336 

Spinning, Isaac (Judge) 280,311 

Springfield, Missouri 421 

Ohio 99. 289. 335, .383 

St. Clair, Arthur (Gen.) 28-34, 2.59-263 

St. James Church. I'iqua 91, 92 

St. Louis, Miiisouri 64, 420 

St. Mary's, Ohio 71 . 292-298 

St. Philip, Illinois 177, 181 

Stage Coaches 85 

Stanton, Henry T 195, 235, 272 



, PAGE 

SUunton, Ohio 34,95, 341 

Virginia 200 

Steele, Ada(Banks) Mrs 430 

Andrew (father of John) 225 

Andrew (son of Andrew) [Pratt] 429 

Andrew (son of John) [Gray] . 277, 332, 345, 429 

Arthur W 429 

Charles 429 

Elizabeth .May 429 

Elizabeth (Price] 277,429 

Fannie 429 

Fannie (Crooks) Mrs 4,30 

Fannie M. (Dowden) Mrs 429 

Francis 429 

Harry [Uank.s] 430 

James 303, 429 

Jane 429 

Jane (Patterson) Mrs. Sec Patterson — 

Jennie[Wood] 429 

Jessie G 4.30 

John (Patterson] 280, 290, .306, .332, 417, 428 

John (son of Andrew) 429 

John 2d (son of Andrew) (Patrick] 429 

John (son of John) 429 

John (.son of William) 429 

John A. [Pinkerton] 430 

Judge 311 

Julia (Piatt) Mrs 429 

Kate (Pinkerton) Mrs 430 

Laura D. (Patrick) Mrs. 429 

Lizzie (Mitchell] 429 

Lizzie P. [Curran] 430 

Marguerite (Patrick) Mrs 429 

.Maria [Moore] 429 

Mary Davies 282, 305 

Patterson (Dowden] 429 

Richard (son of John) 429 

Richard (son of Andrew) [Jones] 429 

Rike 429 

Robert 429 

Robert W 305,311 

RodgersS 429 

Stillie (daughter of Andrew) 429 

Sallie (daughter of Willi.am) 429 

Sallie ((iray) Mrs 429 

Sarah Gray 429 

Susan J. (Jones) Mrs 429 

William (son of Andrew) [Patrick] 429 

William (son of Willi.am) 429 

William II. [Crooks] 277, 345,430 

Steele's Run, Kentucky 252, 290, .306 

Sterritt, James 142, 143 

Joseph 390. 394 

Steubenville. Ohio 35 

Steward. Th.)mas L 421 

Stewart Family 334 

Lillian [Hurt] 383 

Slickhpy. li. F. (Major) 72 

Stillwater River 97, 280 



INDEX TO THE VOLUME 



Stoddard-Washington 

Stoddard, Asa 307, 344, 41S 

Harriet (Patterson) Mrs. See Patterso7i. . . — 
Henry (Patterson] .277, 280, 302-309, .3.34, 417 

Stone Lick, Kentucky 140 

Stone River 422 

Stone, B 387 

William, Jr 398 

Strain, Martha 334 

Mary 334 

Stuart, Robert (Rev.) 240 

Sugar Creek. Ohio 280 

Sugar Making 340 

Sunday Schools 309 

Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania ,88, 120 

Swain, Charles G 94 

Judge 10,5 

Sweet Arrow Creek, Pennsylvania 120 

Farm, Pennsylvania 5, 120-144, 195 

Swift Run. Ohio 40 

Symmes, John Cleves 2.52.257 



Tamplin, James 91 

Tarance, Joseph (Col.) 4 

Tarleton,- Charles [Steele] 429 

Charles. Jr 429 

Jennie (Steele) Mrs 429 

Taylor, Captain 129 

Taylor's Creek, Georgia 421 

Tccumseh 48,49,84,229.295 

Telfair, George B. (Dr.) (BrownJ 426 

Harriet B. (Brown) Mrs .420 

Templeton, James 155-158 

Tennessee (State) 177 



Ri' 



Thomas, A. .\ 10 

Mary [Patterson] 421 , 430 

Thomson. John (Rev.) 311 

Tiiruston, Eliza P. [Houk] 305 

Gates P. (Gen.) 174 

Robert A 94 

Tippecanoe, Indiana 295 

Tobacco 86 

Todd, John (Col.) at Blue Licks 172 

— Biographic Sketch of 171 

— Colonel of County Militia 211,212 

— Death of 172, 225 

— Emancipation Bill of 172 

— in Dunmore Campaign 169 

— in Miami Campaign ... 190 

— Land Purchases of 392 

— Order to Scout 404 

— Transylvania University 240 

John (Rev.) 240 

I^evi (Col.) Appeal for Troops 400 

— at Blue Licks 172 

—Captain 185 

— Company Lieutenant 237 

— Convention Delegate 245 



— Trustee of Lexington 244 

— Virginia Legislative Message 237 

Mary [Lincoln) 172 

Robert 172, 175 

Tomahawk Rights 143, 144, .39.! 

Toulmin. Harry 401 

Townsend, George Alfred Quoted 206 

Transylvania University, Ky 172, 240 

Treaty, Dunmore's , 148 

Greenville 31 , 52 

Sandusky 62, 63, 361 

Schermerhorn's . . 56 

Shoshone 89 

Trenton. New Jersey 153, 344 

Trigg. , Stephen (Col.) 219,221 

Trotter, Robert (Col.) 228, 229 

Sergeant 30 

Trout, Dorothy 383 

Eliza Saunders (Burt) Mrs 383 

H. (Capt.) 383 

Troy. Ohio 97, 335 

Turkey Foot Fork, Kentucky 183, 184 

Tuscarora County, Pennsylvania 20, 28 

Creek, Pennsylvania 20 

Tuttle, James 256 

Twin Creek, Ohio 128, 276-294, 428 

Tyler, John 61 , 375 

Tymocthee, Ohio 63 

u 

L'pper Piqua, (Jhio (see Piqua) — 

Upper .S.andusky, Ohio 54-72, 361 

Upper Scioto 162 

Urbana, Ohio 292, 294, 295 



Vanceburg, Kentucky 140 

Venable, .Margaret (Patterson) see Patterson.. — 

-Mary KHza (Whioher) 97, 2,s7, 422 

■Samuel [Patterson] . , -122 

Vevay. Indiana 287, 290, 318, 422 

Vincennes, Indiana 173 

w 

Wabasli County, Ohio 230 

River, Indiana Battle along 262 

— Branch of 295 

— Heroic Army's March through .. 173-174, 232 
Wallace, Caleb 237 

Edward Stockton [Coleman] 383 

John 414 

Mary Lansdale (Reynolds) (Coleman) .382-383 

Walls, John (Capt.) 159 

Walnut Hill, Kentucky 287 

Wals, Peter 34 

Wapakoneta, Ohio 58,62,69,230 

Ward, John 35 

Warwick, Wisconsin 421, 430 

Washington, D. C 47,65, 105-107,374,378 



INDEX TO THE VOLUME 



Washington-Zanesville 

WashlnEton, George. Death of 59 

I c.rt liccovery Defeat 262 

Funeral Honors of 59 

Gifts to Library 241 

Gratitude to 31 

Leadingthe Explorers 125 

Little Turtle and 75 

Monmouth Victory 170 

Quoted 26 

Salaries Under 6C1 

Washington and Col. Ji;hnston..51 . .59, 161. ;HS 

Wasson. James 250 

Watervliet.Ohio 119-12S.291 

WaUon, Katherinc J. (Ucynolds) .SSS 

Lieutenant [Heynolds] .SS-'i 

Wauhatchic, Tennessee 421 

Waymire.Ohio .280 

Wayne, Anthony (Gen.) 28-35. 69, 104. 170 

Waynesville. Ohio 289, 313. 333 

Webster, Daniel 348, 375 

Wells. Captain 48 

Welsh, James (Uev.) (of Dayton) [Patterson]. — 

—Death of 290. 318, 422 

— Family of 422 

—Marriage of 287,290.422 

— Proposed Biography 2. 5 

—Quoted 393 

James (Rev.) (of Lexington, Kentucky) 244 
— Margaret (Patterson) See Patterson, Mar. — 

Wernock, James 155, 157. 158. 159 

Micha-l 245 

West .\lexandria. Ohio 5. 287. 294. 335 

We.-^t Charleston. Ohio 334 

West Point. New York 25. 102. 361 . 378 

Wheeling, West Virginia 4. .35. 154. 176. 214 

(reek. West Virginia 1.34. 102 

Whicher, .A.lice Brown [Kellogg] 424 

Anna H. (.\leason) Mrs 424 

Francis 423, 424 

Francis Emerson 423 

Frank Patterson 424 

George Frisbie 424 

George Meason [Frisbie] 10. 424 

Harriet Lindsay [Brown] 423 

Jennie Dashiel [Haralson] 423 

Lilian H. (Frisbie) Mrs 424 

Margaret 423 

Margaret Esther 423 

Margaret Esther (2d ) 423 

Margaret Patterson 423 

Mary Eliza 408, 424 

Mary Eliza (Venable) Mrs 97. 287.422 

May Collins [McNair] 423 

Patterson Venable [Dashiel] 423 

Percy Venable 423 

Rosa (Dashiel) Mrs 423 

Samuel Caldwell 423 

Stei)hen Emerson [Meason] 423. 424 

Stephen [Venable] 97. 287. 423 



PAGE 

White, Charles 146 

Family 34 

White Plains, New York 153 

White River, Wisconsin 177 

White's Station, Ohio 34 

Whiteman, Benjamin 380 

James I'indley [Johnston] 93, 380 

Rebecca (Johnston) Mrs. See Johustou, R. — 

Whitmore, Ashley Brown 426 

Caroline H 426 

Edmund Noel 426 

Jacob Dehring [Brown] 426 

Jacob Dehring. Jr 426 

Sarah B. ( Brorni) Mrs 426 

Widney, Mary Ann [CaldweU] 383 

Mary (Johnston) Mrs 20,28, 102, 104 

Wilcox. Mary Louise [Skinner] 427 

WUderness Road .... 176. 200-207. 226, 241, 248 

Wilkinson (General) 30. 34 

Williams Family 280 

John 139,140 

Williamsburg, Va 162, 182, 184, 235 

Wilson, Mr 33 

WInans, BeUe [ ] 382 

Eliza (Johnston) Mrs 382 

Johnston 382 

Marj' 382 

Robert 382 

Samuel 382 

Stephen [Johnston] 382 

Windbrenner. Captain 311 

Winters, Elisha 398 

WoU Creek. Ohio 268, 280, 298 

Wolverton, Major 50 

Wood, E. B. [Steele] 429 

Edward 429 

Jennie (Steele) Mrs 429 

Lucy [Gorham] 429 

Nellie 429 

.Sallie [Farley] 429 

Woodney. Stephen 88 

Wordsworth. William Quotation 323 

Worthinston, Edward (Capt.) 146. 175 

Thomas 48, 84. 302 

Wyandotte. Ohio 35 

Wyandotte Indians 45. 54. 62. 70. 72. 153, .361 



.164.280.289.330.335 



Yellow Springs. Ohio 164, 170. 281, 335 

York, Pennsylvania 200 

County, Pennsylvania 126 

Yorktown, Virginia , 136 



Zanesfield, Ohio 72 

Zanesville, Ohio 4 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

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